Gang jailed for exploiting women in brothels after raids in Hertfordshire, London and the North West

A gang which exploited women and offered sex for sales in brothels across the north west has been jailed.

An investigation was launched by Lancashire Police last year after concern over sexual services being advertised on the internet.

Officers carried out raids at addresses in Accrington, St Helens, Blackburn, as well as in Hertfordshire and London.

At Preston crown court the following sentences were handed out yesterday:

Hong Yi, from Whalley Road, Accrington - jailed for two years

Shi Guang Zhong, from St Bees Close, St Helens - jailed for two years

Xinghai Zhou, from Etchingham Road, London - jailed for 16 months

Wanchun Zhang, of no fixed address - jailed for 12 months

Li Neng Leong, of no fixed address - jailed for 12 months

Yi Chen Cheng, of no fixed address - jailed for 12 months

DS Stu Peall, of the East Exploitation Team, said: “The women at these brothels were treated as nothing more than a commodity without any regard for their wellbeing or human rights. The evidence clearly showed that these people were controlling these women for the purposes of prostitution.

“Lancashire Constabulary is committed to tackling exploitation of all kinds and today’s sentences are the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our officers who continue to work proactively to put an end to modern slavery.

“We welcome any community intelligence that may help to identify addresses where prostitution may be taking place. If you suspect suspicious activity is taking place, please let us know. We take all reports seriously and will investigate thoroughly."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.