Pair who ran 'sophisticated' brothel 'operation' out of Portsmouth home convicted
Two people have been convicted for operating a ‘sophisticated’ brothel ‘operation’ out of a Portsmouth home.
How, who also went by the alias Steven Hon, worked in conjunction with Xiao Xia Yang, 60, of Belfast.
Together, the pair rented the property, placed adverts on websites and arranged for women to work there. The operation was staffed by sex workers and ‘nannies’ who would go with the women to ‘outcalls’.
How and Yang also arranged for an employee to answer the phone, arrange bookings and direct customers to the address.
Andrew Eddy of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “How and Yang ran a sophisticated operation, employing dozens of unprotected workers and risking their safety all for selfish personal gain.
“Their convictions send a clear message that exploiting vulnerable people for profit will not be tolerated.
“I would like to thank the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit investigators for their invaluable diligence and commitment to this case.
“The CPS is committed to working with law enforcement to ensure that those who engage in serious criminal activities are brought to justice.”
Following a five week trial, the pair were both convicted for their involvement in the operations of the brothel.
How was convicted of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation and conspiracy to control prostitution for gain on October, 2024.
Xiao Xia Yang was convicted of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation and conspiracy to control prostitution for gain on October 10, 2024.
This included observations of the property, records of the worker’s movements between hotels and the property, message and phone records arranging appointments, photos taken of online adverts and messages between How and Yang discussing wages and the rent.