Three convicted brothel owners were ordered by a Kent court to repay more than £605,000 following a police investigation into the sexual exploitation of trafficked women across multiple towns in Kent and beyond. Yuan Hang, Lina Wang, and Chung Fu Wang were jailed for running prostitution rings operating at over 50 locations including Canterbury, Chatham, Dartford, Gillingham, Maidstone, and Tunbridge Wells. The organised crime involved victims brought into the UK illegally and coerced into unsafe sex work to pay off family debts.
Widespread Exploitation Uncovered
Kent Police began their investigation in 2019 after discovering linked brothels in Gillingham and Maidstone. Victims endured threats and were forced into unsafe practices, with some unaware of their location upon arrival in the country. Local communities also complained of noise disturbances, criminal damage, and frequent suspicious activity.
High-tech Police Evidence
Officers used detailed mobile phone data analysis to connect marketing numbers to the offenders. During arrests in 2021, Lina Wang attempted to conceal six phones, and large sums of money were seized from suspects’ properties. Bank cards belonging to victims were also found in Chung Fu Wang’s possession.
Luxury Lifestyle Exposed
Yuan Hang surrendered to police months before the others, revealing a gambling habit and expensive lifestyle despite no legitimate income or employment history. The three Chinese nationals pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain. Lina Wang and Yuan Hang also admitted possession of criminal property.
Orders To Forfeit Criminal Gains
Following their sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court on 1 April 2025, officers applied under the Proceeds of Crime Act to seize their assets. In April 2026, Lina Wang was ordered to repay £485,565, Yuan Hang £37,626, and on 29 June 2026, Chung Fu Wang was ordered to pay back £82,711. Failure to pay within three months could add 18 months to their sentences.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector David Godfrey said: ‘When Chung Fu Wang, Lina Wang and Yuan Hang were sentenced last year, the court heard that they had manipulated vulnerable people for their own selfish, greedy reasons. It was clear they should not be able to benefit from their criminal enterprise, and so our officers brought forward financial evidence before the court. It will ensure the three cannot live the high life, paid for through other people’s suffering. What they did to innocent people in the name of greed was deeply disturbing and we are pleased the courts approved the orders to confiscate their ill-gotten money.’
