Key facts
- Hong Kong police arrested 16 people in connection with an alleged cross-border prostitution ring.
- The group is accused of luring Thai women to Hong Kong for sex work.
- Police seized HK$13 million in cash and froze HK$5 million in suspected crime proceeds.
- The syndicate allegedly took up to 70% of the sex workers' earnings.
- The arrested individuals face charges including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and money laundering.
Hong Kong police have busted an alleged transnational prostitution ring that recruited Thai women to work as sex workers in the city. The operation, conducted over two days, resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals, including alleged ringleaders and the women involved.
Authorities seized HK$13 million (approximately US$1.66 million) in cash and froze an additional HK$5 million in suspected criminal proceeds. The syndicate is accused of providing a comprehensive service, from arranging flights and accommodation to advertising on social media platforms using provocative photos to attract clients. Transactions, ranging from HK$700 to HK$1,000, were reportedly arranged for clients to meet the women in designated hotel rooms.
According to police, the criminal group took a substantial cut of up to 70% of the sex workers' earnings. The investigation revealed a detailed division of labor, with a Thai faction responsible for bringing the women to Hong Kong and a local criminal group managing the online promotion and client arrangements. The group also allegedly supplied sex workers with necessities like condoms and towels.
During the enforcement action, dubbed 'Thunder 2026' and 'Sharp Master', police conducted raids on properties in Tsim Sha Tsui and a private housing estate in Tuen Mun, which served as an operational center. They also used undercover officers to pose as clients in hotel rooms. The arrested individuals face multiple charges, including trafficking in persons, controlling prostitution, living on earnings from prostitution, and money laundering.
Police believe the group had been operating for at least a year, with approximately HK$2 million transferred to offshore accounts monthly. The investigation also uncovered records detailing clients' schedules and contact information, as well as daily earnings. The arrested individuals are scheduled to appear in Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on Monday.