Media Release
Police target illegal prostitution on the Gold Coast
As part of the Queensland Police Service's efforts to seek out and charge those who profit from, organise, and participate in illegal prostitution activities, 16 people will face court following a series of raids on the Gold Coast over the weekend.
Police carried out raids over four days on addresses on the Gold Coast as part of Operation Hotel Patrol which involved officers from State Crime Operations Command. Assistance was also provided by personnel from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and Australian Federal Police.
The operation specifically targeted organised illegal prostitution activities operating under the guise of legal massage services.
Over the four days, five search warrants were executed at business and residential premises located in Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach and Clear Island Waters resulting in 16 people charged on 38 prostitution-related offences. The five men and 11 women charged will appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on November 17.
As part of this operation police also seized cash and property totaling $20,990.00
Detective Superintendent Brian Wilkins, State Crime Operations Command, said this operation is just one of the strategies used by the Service to combat organised illegal prostitution activities in Queensland.
"We are constantly working on ways to preserve community safety by preventing criminal elements providing illegal prostitution services in Queensland," he said.
"The QPS also works holistically with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Australian Federal Police to ensure the safety and wellbeing of sex workers who are found working in illegal brothels.
"This operation was a great success and shows that in partnership with our Commonwealth colleagues we will continue to be committed to tracking down those who profit from illegal prostitution and erode community standards," Detective Superintendent Wilkins said.
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