Yuan Hang, Lina Wang and Chung Fu Wang, of Dagenham, lived the “high life” while coercing vulnerable women into unsafe sex practices.
The three were sentenced yesterday (April 1) at Maidstone Crown Court to a total of over 15 years in jail.
Officers first became aware of the criminal enterprise in 2019 after two brothels found in Gillingham and Maidstone were linked by police.
Some of the women were brought into the country illegally and forced into sex work to pay off family debts, including one who had no idea where she was.
Others were coerced into taking part in unsafe sexual practices such as not using protection.
The criminality also had a significant impact on local people who reported noise, criminal damage and regular visits to the premises at all times of the day and night.
A complex investigation was carried out that relied heavily on the analysis of mobile phone data to match specific numbers used for marketing purposes to the offenders responsible.
A complex investigation was carried out that relied heavily on the analysis of mobile phone data to match specific numbers used for marketing purposes to the offenders responsible.
When Lina Wang was arrested at her home in Cambridgeshire in August 2021, she attempted to hide six mobile phones that fell to the floor from behind her back.
During a subsequent search of the property officers found bank statements showing she was in possession of around £430,000.
Chung Fu Wang was arrested the same day in London, also surrounded by mobile phones and in possession of bank cards belonging to some of the sex workers he controlled.
Yuan Hang had been arrested several months earlier when he gave himself up to police following a warrant at a flat in London that he was renting.
Despite having minimal employment history or means of legitimate income, he was found to be a heavy gambler who drove expensive cars and visited high-end retailers.
Sentencing the three at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 1 April 2025, His Honour Judge Branston criticised the offenders for their lack of empathy, shame or remorse.
He added that through a level of coercion, deceit or taking advantage of desperation, they were each using their victims for their own “selfish, greedy reasons”.
Lina Wang, 44, of Bartlow Road, Cambridge, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and acquiring and possessing criminal property, and was jailed for five years and eight months.
Chung Fu Wang, 41, of Blackborne Road, Dagenham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and was sentenced to three years and nine months’ imprisonment.
Yuan Hang, 39, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and possessing criminal property and was jailed for five years and eight months.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Dameon Shaw said: “This was a lengthy and complex investigation into a group of criminals responsible for untold misery towards a significant number of victims across the UK.
“Forcing vulnerable women to work in the sex industry is an appalling thing to do and these three offenders should be utterly ashamed of themselves.
“Unfortunately they have shown scant remorse or regret for their actions, which enabled them to live the high life whilst their victims suffered in silence.
“Anyone who believes a brothel is being run near their home or place of work is encouraged to report it to Kent Police.
“Doing so helps us to take action against those responsible and most importantly to help those vulnerable women who may have been forced into the sex industry against their will.”
