5th September 2024 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong police have arrested six individuals linked to a prostitution ring that generated over HK$13 million through a Telegram chat group. The group, boasting more than 25,000 members, facilitated the illicit trade of sexual services under the guise of “part-time girlfriends.”
The arrests, made during a coordinated operation dubbed “Operation Fiery Arrow,” included two alleged ringleaders of the syndicate, a couple who reportedly orchestrated the complex scheme involving over 20 bank accounts used for money laundering purposes. The suspects range in age from 22 to 61 and face charges related to profiting from the prostitution of others and money laundering.
Chief Inspector Sun Yi-ki of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) detailed that the operation uncovered a sophisticated network that exploited Telegram to promote and manage sexual transactions. “The chat group not only allowed clients to browse through profiles of sex workers but also offered a VIP membership for a monthly fee, providing access to service reviews and preferred worker selections,” Sun explained.
During the raids, authorities seized 10 mobile phones, and two laptops, and froze HK$2 million in bank accounts suspected to be linked to the criminal proceeds. The extensive use of digital platforms and proxy accounts highlighted the complex nature of modern trafficking and prostitution rings, which increasingly utilize technology to evade law enforcement.
The suspects allegedly used accounts belonging to themselves, family members, and friends to receive and launder the proceeds from this illicit operation. This method of layering financial transactions across multiple accounts complicates tracking and reinforces the challenges authorities face in combating such tech-savvy criminal enterprises.
“Relying on others for prostitution income is a serious offence, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison,” stated a police spokesperson. The official further warned that committing crimes online does not shield perpetrators from legal repercussions, emphasising the police’s commitment to pursuing criminals to the fullest extent of the law.
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