Police have arrested a group for facilitating illegal massages and prostitution in 33 rental units in the Gangnam District of Seoul. Over a period of 40 days, they are estimated to have facilitated approximately 2,800 instances of prostitution, generating over 570 million won in revenue.
According to Yonhap News Agency, on October 19, the Gangnam Police Station apprehended three owners of two businesses involved in the illegal activities, along with one accomplice, two women working at the establishments, and two individuals accused of engaging in prostitution, totaling eight arrests. Authorities also seized about 25 million won in criminal proceeds.
The suspects face charges of facilitating prostitution, advertising and promoting prostitution, and violating medical laws. They are expected to be transferred to the prosecution on October 20.
Police allege that the group rented 33 units under other people's names in residential areas, using platforms like Telegram to recruit clients and arrange prostitution services. The larger of the two businesses reportedly facilitated around 2,800 instances of prostitution, earning an estimated 574.6 million won during the 40-day period.
The investigation began last November when the Women and Youth Investigation Team at the Gangnam Police Station received a tip-off about illegal massages and prostitution occurring discreetly in residential areas.
After months of investigation, which included identifying the units where prostitution took place and analyzing CCTV footage and call records, police identified individuals suspected to be the owners. Undercover operations led to the sequential arrests of the owners, accomplices, and individuals accused of prostitution.
Despite the absence of a dedicated department for investigating prostitution and vice crimes at local police stations, the Gangnam Police conducted the investigation over approximately 300 days.
The owners were found to be living lavishly in high-end officetels in Gangnam, paying monthly rents in the hundreds of thousands of won, and driving luxury foreign cars, funded by their earnings from prostitution advertising and facilitation.
To evade detection and filter out difficult clients, the group required customers to verify their identities using personal mobile phone numbers. They then cross-referenced this information with a database to select clients.
Initially denying the charges, the suspects reportedly admitted to their crimes when presented with evidence by the police.
A representative from the Gangnam Police Station noted, "Gangnam District has a high incidence of prostitution crimes due to its large floating population and concentration of entertainment establishments. This particular residential area is home to many students due to nearby schools and academies." They added, "We will actively and rigorously respond to prostitution crimes in collaboration with relevant agencies."
Police plan to continue their investigation into other individuals involved in prostitution.
Under the law regarding the punishment of acts related to prostitution facilitation, those charged with facilitating prostitution can face up to seven years in prison or fines of up to 70 million won, which is a more severe penalty than for simple prostitution facilitation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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