Suspected of Employing Dozens of Women to Arrange Prostitution
Operated Over 30 Illegal Karaoke Bars and Restaurants Last Year
Local Media: "Those Responsible for Arrangements Will Be Severely Punished"
A large-scale prostitution establishment operated by Koreans was uncovered in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, leading to the arrest of three Korean operators and local managers.
A large-scale prostitution establishment operated by Koreans was uncovered in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, resulting in the arrest of three Korean operators and local managers. [Photo by VN Express]
They were found to have run an 'arrangement organization' operating illegal karaoke bars on a large scale by employing dozens of hostesses, earning over 200 million won since last year.
According to the Vietnamese local media VN Express on the 26th (local time), three individuals including Kim (48) have been arrested and are under investigation by Vietnamese police on charges of receiving a total of 40 billion dong (approximately 210 million won) through prostitution arrangements since last year.
They are accused of opening a restaurant on Bui Thi Xuan Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, employing dozens of women and arranging prostitution for 3 to 4 million dong each (approximately 160,000 to 210,000 won). Local media disclosed their names, faces, and ages.
Since June last year, they operated about 30 illegal karaoke bars combined with restaurants in the city, mainly serving foreign customers including Koreans. Only foreigners who had their passports checked or customers vouched for were allowed entry into the restaurants.
The place usually kept its entrance door closed, was guarded by 3 to 5 security personnel at all times, and was reportedly equipped with an alarm system. Female hostesses moved with the security guards to apartments and villas.
On the 19th, police found three Korean operators, 52 female hostesses, and 20 employees at the restaurant, and caught some customers using the karaoke bars. Two hotel rooms had two Koreans and hostesses; it was reported that two Korean men drank at the restaurant, spent time at the karaoke bar, and then had sexual relations with two female hostesses through the manager's mediation.
During the police investigation, when Kim was summoned, Cha fled with his partner and hid at an acquaintance's house in Can Tho City but was arrested by the police.
Meanwhile, local media reported that prostitution has long been regarded as a social evil in Vietnam, and those who arrange it are severely punished.
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