Sex trafficking ring busted

KOTA KINABALU: Police have crippled a suspected sex trafficking syndicate with the arrest of three pimps, including two women, and rescue of six Filipino women.

City police chief ACP M. Chandra said the suspects, a 41-year-old local man and two Filipino women, aged 25 and 47, were detained by police at an unnumbered house at Kampung Peringatan, Jalan Petagas here on Tuesday.

Police rescued the six Filipino women who were allegedly forced into prostitution, he added.

"Acting on a tip-off, a team of police from the crime investigation department raided the single-story house around 9.30am.

"During the raid, police found the victims in a couple of bedrooms.

"Investigation revealed the victims, aged between 20 and 24, are from Zambonga, the Philippines," said Chandra yesterday.

Police investigation revealed that the victims had entered the State via Sandakan, Semporna and Tawau before they were taken to Kota Kinabalu.

"They were promised good jobs as waitresses at clubs and restaurants, but upon their arrival, they were forced into prostitution, as GROs at night clubs, karaokes and hotels.

"Some of the girls have been in the State for only 15 days while some have been here for four months," said Chandra.

Police also believed agents from both countries were involved in smuggling the girls into Sabah.

"Police were told that all sea and land transportation will be arranged by the agents while transportation fees are bond by the girls as debts.

"The girls' movements were strictly monitored by the three suspects and they were not allowed to leave the house," he said, adding that the suspects would drop them off and pick them up at either hotels and nightclubs.

The victims also admitted to have not received any payment or commission since they started work with the suspects.

Police have since confiscated 10 handphones, US, Brunei and Singapore currencies, and a Perodua Alza vehicle.

The suspects have been remanded for six days to be investigated under Section 12 and Section 13 (e) of the AntiTrafficking in Person and AntiSmuggling of Migrants Act 2007.

"The girls have been placed at a centre for further action," said Chandra.

The Filipino women who were allegedly forced into prostitution were rescued by police during the raid in Petagas.

The house where the victims were allegedly confined by the suspects.

MACC personnel escorting the police inspector from the court yesterday.

The three other police personnel being led away after their court appearance yesterday.