Police raided a Hertfordshire address in an investigation that saw prostitution gang members who “treated women as a commodity” jailed.

Lancashire Constabulary’s East Exploitation Team launched its probe into nationwide sexual exploitation and human trafficking in September last year, after reports of sexual services were advertised online.

This led to raids and arrest, including at an address in London Colney, as police clamped down on “sex for sale” in a network of brothels.

The force had initially executed a search warrant at a property in Blackburn, which led to further searches and arrests in London Colney, London, Accrington and St Helens.

Li Neng Leong, 38, of Haseldine Road, London Colney, was among six gang members jailed at Preston Crown Court on May 19. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting conspiracy to control prostitution.

The force added that “a number of women have been safeguarded” in the investigation.

Watford Observer: Images of the six people who have been jailed shared by policeImages of the six people who have been jailed shared by police (Image: Lancashire Constabulary)

Detective Sergeant Stu Peall 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.”

He added: “I hope these sentences send a message to victims of sex trafficking that Lancashire Police will always support complainants and look to prosecute those bringing misery to the lives of vulnerable people."

Jailed

  • Shi Guang Zhong, 39, of St Bees Close, St Helens, was jailed for 29 months after admitting conspiracy to control prostitution.
  • Hongli Yi, 48, of Whalley Road, Accrington, was jailed for two years after being convicted of controlling prostitution.
  • Xinghai Zhou, 50, of Etchingham Road, London, was jailed for 16 months after being convicted of conspiracy to control prostitution.
  • Wanchun Zhang, 58, of no fixed address, was jailed for 12 months after admitting conspiracy to control prostitution.
  • Yi Chen Cheng, 60, of no fixed address, was jailed for four months after being convicted of conspiracy to control prostitution.