A number of woman were controlled into working in brothels across the county by a prostitution gang.
Lancashire Police's East Exploitation Team launched an investigation into nationwide sexual exploitation and human trafficking in September 2022 after concerns were raised about sexual services being advertised online. As part of the operation, police initially raided a property in Blackburn, which led to further searches and arrests at properties in St Helens, Accrington, Hertfordshire and London.
A number of women were found and have been safeguarded by police. The six members of the gang were jailed on Friday, May 19.
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Shi Guang Zhong, 39, of St Bees Close, St Helens, admitted conspiracy to control prostitution and was jailed for 29 months. Hongli Yi, 48, Whalley Road, Accrington was convicted of controlling prostitution and jailed for two years.
Xinghai Zhou, 50, Etchingham Road, London, was convicted of conspiracy to control prostitution and was jailed for 16 months.
Wanchun Zhang 58, of no fixed address admitted conspiracy to control prostitution and was jailed for 12 months. Li Neng Leong, 38, of Haseldine Road, London Colney, St. Albans admitted conspiracy to control prostitution and was jailed for 12 months.
Yi Chen Cheng, 60, no fixed address was convicted of conspiracy to control prostitution and was jailed for four months.
DS Stu Peall, of the East Exploitation Team, said: “The women at these brothels were treated as nothing more than a commodity without any regard for their wellbeing or human rights. The evidence clearly showed that these people were controlling these women for the purposes of prostitution.
“Lancashire Constabulary is committed to tackling exploitation of all kinds and today’s sentences are the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our officers who continue to work proactively to put an end to modern slavery.”
“We welcome any community intelligence that may help to identify addresses where prostitution may be taking place. If you suspect suspicious activity is taking place, please let us know. We take all reports seriously and will investigate thoroughly.
“I hope these sentences send a message to victims of sex trafficking that Lancashire Police will always support complainants and look to prosecute those bringing misery to the lives of vulnerable people
“We want to offer help and advice for people who think they may be victims of human trafficking or slavery.
“There are a number of ways you can contact someone for help. You don’t have to speak directly to the police there are charities that can help you. You can also ring some services anonymously; you do not have to give your name or go to court or give a statement.”
For information, help and advice visit www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/safer-communities/modern-slavery
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