Couple jailed for running prostitution operation

A husband and wife have been jailed for almost five years in total for running a human trafficking and prostitution operation in Surrey and Hampshire.

Wei-Gong Li and Yafeng Dong used one address in Aldershot and one in Guildford, for prostitution, a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said

The couple transported women to the addresses to meet people who paid for sex, they said.

An investigation was launched following a concern-for-safety visit at an address in Ascot Court, Aldershot, in November 2023 where a lone woman was found inside the main bedroom, which contained lingerie and condoms.

Officers then executed warrants in Ascot Court, Birchett Road and Bellerby Apartments in Guildford.

Police said 12 counterfeit ID documents, 10 mobile phones, laptops, keys, a USB stick, and Sim cards were seized.

They added £182,385 in cash deposits, that could not be explained as legitimate income, were also uncovered.

Mobile phone examinations later confirmed the pair managed the brothels, arranged payments and moved women between properties.

Li and Dong, of Birchett Road, Aldershot, were arrested and charged with a number of offences.

Li, 45, and Dong, 53, both pleaded guilty to controlling prostitute for gain, arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation, possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct, converting criminal property.

Li also admitted to a charge of transferring criminal property.

Li was jailed for two years and one month, while Dong was jailed for two years and eight months at Winchester Crown Court on Friday.

DS Paul Jarrett, from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said the couple were involved in an organised criminal enterprise which "targeted and exploited vulnerable women".

"The women were controlled and used for sex work purely for the financial gain of the couple – and our investigations found they had £182,385 in cash deposits," he added.

"Our officers take reports of modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation extremely seriously and will do everything we can to put those responsible before the courts."

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