Raids smash internet prostitution ring

10:35am Sunday 20th April 2008

A dozen people have been arrested in raids in Streatham and central London launched to smash a prostitution ring exploiting foreign women.

Police believe the network has been using an internet escort agency as a front for organised prostitution.

It is alleged the network operates by trafficking women from abroad and then coercing them to work as prostitutes with clients contacting them through the website.

A total of 110 officers are involved in Operation Gib, which is being led by the Metropolitan Police with support from Surrey Constabulary and the Norfolk Constabulary.

Police said they hoped to rescue an estimated 60 foreign women who they believe had been coerced into prostitution by the network.

By 9am today, 30 women had been taken to a specialist centre staffed with interpreters, support organizations, health workers and officers trained in sexual offences interview techniques.

As well as the Streatham raid, plainclothed officers carried out searches in the Paddington area.

Chief Superintendent Ian Dyson from the Met said internet prostitution was a growing problem.

Police have been monitoring the network for around four months.

Speaking before the operation, Mr Dyson said: "Tonight is the culmination of a three to four-month investigation into a network of criminals who have controlled prostitutes through an escort agency website were upwards of 60 women have been involved in prostitution with a degree of coercion involved.

"Our intention is to arrest the subjects of the operation for trafficking, controlling prostitution and money laundering and to identify and rescue victims of trafficking."

He said the operation was the "biggest of its type" against brothels operating via a website.

Police launched two waves of raids yesterday - at 6pm then again at 11pm - entering more than 20 homes and businesses.

During the first wave of the operation codenamed "Gib", three men aged 31, 32 and 25 year and a woman aged 35 were arrested on suspicion people trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain and money laundering.

A further eight people were arrested at addresses in north and west London in connection with people trafficking and running prostitution.

The investigation has uncovered that some of the women are being forced to pay back some of the largest debt bondages seen by the Unit, estimates suggest in the region of £28,000.

Those arrested are in custody at a central London police station.

Police expect more raids throughout the day.