Three people have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain following a South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) investigation that led to warrants at seven massage parlours across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Reading.
Khondakar Hasan, 39, from Morton Walk in Leicester; Liu Xu Hopkins, 55, and Benjamin Hopkins, 56, both from High Street in Staple Hill, South Gloucestershire, entered guilty pleas at Bristol Crown Court last Friday, 21st November. All three have been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.
The investigation began after Wiltshire Police received concerns from the community about two businesses in Chippenham. These premises have since been ordered to close by the court.
DCI Adam Smith from SWROCU said: “Wiltshire Police referred this investigation to us following community concerns about two businesses in Chippenham, which have since been ordered to close by the court.
“This shows the importance of community intelligence, which is how this whole case started. Ultimately, the actions of those people in Chippenham who chose to speak up rather than turn a blind eye have led to an investigation with three people convicted and remanded in custody while they await sentencing.”
Chippenham Neighbourhood Sergeant Jamie Ball also praised the work of SWROCU and thanked residents for their support. He said officers continue to visit the closed premises to ensure no one enters and that the conditions of the orders are being followed.
He added: “I’d again like to thank the community for their support with the investigation, which has directly led to vulnerable women being safeguarded.”
Anyone with concerns about potential modern slavery is encouraged to report information to their local police force, anonymously via Crimestoppers, or through the Modern Slavery Helpline. Guidance on spotting the signs of exploitation is available at Spot The Signs – Unseen.
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com.