Six people charged in Lancashire as part of human trafficking operation
The arrests were part of a national operation into human trafficking
Lancashire Police have charged six men and one woman as part of our East Exploitation Team’s investigation into nationwide sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The force launched an operation at the start of September after concerns were raised about sexual services being advertised online.
As part of the operation, they initially executed a search warrant at a property in Blackburn and that led to further searches and arrests at properties in Accrington, St Helens, Hertfordshire and London. A number of women have been safeguarded and mobile phones were seized for analysis.
On Tuesday (October 11), a 47-year-old man from Accrington, was arrested on suspicion of keeping a brothel.
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Hongli YI, 47, of Whalley Road, Accrington, was charged with controlling prostitution. He before Blackburn magistrates yesterday morning and was remanded back into custody.
Previous charged with human trafficking and controlling prostitution and remanded into custody.
Wanchun ZANG - 31/01/1965 – no fixed address.
Xinghai ZHOU - 21/10/1972 - Etchingham Road, London.
Yi Chen CHENG - 11/07/1962 - no fixed address.
Shi Guang ZHONG - 07/08/1983 – St Bees Close, St Helens.
Philip KEE - 12/07/1977 - Haseldine Road, London Colney, St. Albans, Hertfordshire.
Li Neng LEONG - 09/10/1984 - Haseldine Road, London Colney, St. Albans, Hertfordshire