The Guangdong- Hong Kong-Macau police forces launched a joint operation called 斷鳶行動 (“Operation Broken Kite”) on Monday to dismantle a cross-border prostitution ring, arresting 18 ring members, 58 female prostitutes and 44 clients, according to a special press conference held in the Judiciary Police (PJ) press conference room yesterday.
In May, the Judiciary Police (PJ) conducted an anti-crime patrol in Zape and the city centre, intercepting 10 mainland women involved in prostitution and six local clients across several hotels. The police discovered that the women were using the same online platform to solicit clients. Suspecting a cross-border prostitution ring, the Judiciary Police (PJ) alerted the Guangdong and Hong Kong police and launched a coordinated operation in the related areas on Monday, resulting in a total of 120 arrests.
Macau police arrested seven locals and one Vietnamese national, including the alleged mastermind, key members, and subordinates. They also intercepted nine prostitutes and two clients, seizing over 10,000 condoms, more than 300 lubricants, bed sheets, towels, massage oil, and various electronic devices from a flat in Zape.
Mainland police arrested six mainlanders and one Macau resident, including suspected key members of the ring. Additionally, they intercepted 24 women involved in prostitution and apprehended 42 clients, seizing over 40 mobile phones and computers.
Hong Kong police arrested three Hong Kong residents for recruiting prostitutes and finding clients. They also intercepted 25 women involved in prostitution and confiscated a significant quantity of condoms, lubricants, cash, and bank cards.
According to the PJ spokesman, the online solicitation platform had been operational since January, posting about 2,500 advertisements for prostitution and charging each prostitute 300 yuan per post, resulting in estimated illegal profits of at least 750,000 yuan. The platform was managed by three administrators, who posted 30 to 40 advertisements daily and concealed the flow of funds through virtual currency transactions.
This undated handout photo provided by the Judiciary Police (PJ) yesterday shows officials from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau police departments convening for a meeting to discuss a cross-broder prostitution ring case.
