Brothel Owners Jailed for Exploiting Vulnerable Women Across the UK

Three brothel owners who exploited trafficked and vulnerable women at over 50 locations across the UK have been jailed after a major police investigation.

Exploitation and Coercion

Yuan Hang, Lina Wang, and Chung Fu Wang played significant roles in running brothels and forcing women into sex work in various towns and cities, including Canterbury, Chatham, Dartford, Gillingham, Maidstone, and Tunbridge Wells.

Many of the victims were brought illegally into the UK and coerced into prostitution to pay off family debts. Some of the women, unaware of their whereabouts, were subjected to unsafe practices, including being forced to work without protection.

The criminal activities also caused a nuisance to local communities, with residents reporting noise, criminal damage, and frequent visits to the properties at all hours.

Police Investigation

Kent Police began investigating in 2019 after discovering two linked brothels in Gillingham and Maidstone. The complex investigation relied on analyzing mobile phone data to connect marketing numbers with the offenders.

When Lina Wang was arrested in Cambridgeshire in August 2021, she attempted to hide six mobile phones, which fell from behind her back. A search revealed bank statements showing she held around £430,000.

Brothel Owners Jailed for Exploiting Vulnerable Women Across the UK — Brothel Owners Jailed For Exploiting Vulnerable Women Across The Uk

Chung Fu Wang was arrested the same day in London, found surrounded by mobile phones and holding bank cards belonging to some of the exploited women.

Earlier, Yuan Hang surrendered to police after a raid at a flat he rented in London. Despite minimal legitimate income, Hang was known as a heavy gambler and owned expensive cars.

Sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court

At Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, 1 April 2025, His Honour Judge Branston criticized the trio for showing no empathy, shame, or remorse. He stated that the offenders exploited their victims for “selfish, greedy reasons” through coercion and deceit.

Lina Wang, 44, of Bartlow Road, Cambridge, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and acquiring and possessing criminal property. She was sentenced to five years and eight months.
Chung Fu Wang, 41, of Blackborne Road, Dagenham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and received three years and nine months.
Yuan Hang, 39, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and possessing criminal property, receiving five years and eight months.

Police Statement

Detective Constable Dameon Shaw, the investigating officer, 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. Unfortunately, they have shown scant remorse, living the high life while their victims suffered in silence.”

Appeal for Public Assistance

DC Shaw urged anyone who suspects a brothel operation near their home or workplace 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.”

This sentencing marks a significant victory for Kent Police in their continued efforts to dismantle criminal networks exploiting vulnerable people.