Eight Arrested in Major Kent and Essex Prostitution Bust
Kent and Essex police smashed an organised crime ring with a two-day operation across Woolwich, Canterbury, Maidstone, and Medway. Between Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 February 2021, officers executed eight pre-planned warrants, hauling in a haul that included £35,000 in cash, phones, and paperwork.
Multiple Arrests and Safeguarding Efforts
On 16 February, two warrants went down in Canterbury and Woolwich. A 37-year-old man from Canterbury, plus a 59-year-old man and 52-year-old woman from Folkestone, were arrested. In Woolwich, a 44-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man from London were also taken into custody.
One woman was arrested for immigration offences. All suspects have been released under investigation. Two women were safeguarded during the probes.
The following day, four more warrants hit Kent—Medway and Maidstone included. A 36-year-old Maidstone man was arrested. Simultaneously, two London properties were raided, resulting in the arrest of three women aged between 40 and 50. Two more women were arrested for immigration offences, while another two were safeguarded.
Key Figures Charged with Controlling Prostitution
Detectives charged Londoners Yan Ping Zhu (43), Chun Ping Shao (50), and Feng Zhu Lin (45) with controlling prostitution for gain and acquiring criminal property. All are now remanded in custody pending court appearances.
Kent Police Take a Stand Against Exploitation
“Modern slavery is a hidden crime and it’s rare that victims come forward,” said Detective Inspector Kristian Eberlein from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
“The exploitation of sex workers often ties into national and international crime syndicates involved in human trafficking, drugs, and money laundering.”
“Safeguarding vulnerable victims is at the forefront of our work. We regularly partner with charities to shut down suspected brothels and identify those exploited.”
“Even with the Covid-19 pandemic, adverts for sexual services continued in Kent, putting more vulnerable women at risk. We want to help those pressured into such work and disrupt the criminal networks profiting from their misery.”
Kent Police vow to crack down hard on those exploiting vulnerable women, whether in brothels, massage parlours, hotels, or vehicles, and bring the ringleaders to justice.
