A man from Lewisham, who operated a brothel in Southampton, has been given a suspended sentence.
Ting Di Lin, 51, of Lee Church Street, was involved in establishing and running a brothel between May and July 2019. Lin was responsible for arranging the lease and furnishing the property. He also coordinated travel to Southampton for women to offer sexual services, which were advertised online.
Lin was arrested in July 2019 and found in possession of more than £5,000 in cash. He later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in human trafficking, conspiracy to control prostitution for gain, and transferring criminal property.
On Friday, May 17, Lin was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 15 sessions of rehabilitation work.
Mehmed Mehmed, 29, of Angus Street in Cardiff, was also sentenced in connection with the same brothel. Mehmed allowed his bank accounts to be used to move money made from the brothel and for personal gain. He admitted acquiring criminal property and was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Mehmed must also complete 130 hours of unpaid work.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Adam Knight, of the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), said: “Lin attempted to exploit vulnerable women for financial gain, and Mehmed profited from allowing his bank accounts to be used to process the money made by the brothel.”
The sentences reflect the serious nature of the crimes, but both men have avoided immediate prison time, subject to the conditions of their suspended sentences and rehabilitation requirements.
