Six people, including the masterminds behind a thriving online prostitution platform, have been arrested and HK$2 million in criminal assets frozen following a police crackdown on the illicit operation, authorities announced Wednesday.
The investigation revealed the prostitution ring had established a large social media presence, with a group boasting over 25,000 members where “part-time girlfriends” were advertised to potential customers. Police believe the platform had been active for more than a year, generating over HK$13 million in earnings.
“This was a well-organized syndicate that used sophisticated methods to advertise and profit from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals,” said a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Police Force. “Our detectives worked tirelessly to dismantle this criminal enterprise and ensure those responsible face the consequences of their actions.”
The three men and three women arrested, ranging in age from 22 to 62, included the couple authorities describe as the masterminds behind the operation. They now face charges of living off the earnings of prostitution and money laundering.
In addition to the arrests, police seized 10 smartphones and 2 laptops used by the syndicate, and were able to freeze HK$2 million held in the suspects’ bank accounts.
“This should serve as a warning that Hong Kong authorities will not tolerate these types of illicit activities,” the police spokesperson stated. “We are committed to protecting the vulnerable and disrupting organized criminal enterprises, no matter how complex their operations may be.”
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify any other individuals involved in the prostitution ring. Prosecutors are expected to pursue maximum penalties against those arrested.
