A gang set up a ‘health centre’ in East Lancashire, which was in fact a brothel.

Shi Guang Zhong, Hongli Yi, Chen Cheng, Wanchun Zhang, Xinghai Zhou, Li Leong all appeared in Preston Crown Court on Friday, May 19, after helping in the setting up and running of brothels up and down the country, including one in Blackburn and one which they fronted as a ‘health centre’ in Accrington.

Prosecuting, Francis McEntee said that the group set up a ‘network of brothels’ across the country in Blackburn, Accrington, Bolton, London, Manchester, Coventry, Peterborough and many more towns and cities.

The prostitutes at the ‘shops’ as they were called by the group, were being sold for ‘£70 for 30 minutes or £100 for an hour with additional services at additional costs’.

Police raided a ‘health centre’ on Bridge Street in Accrington which was a brothel ran by Yi, of Whalley Road Accrington.

Another of the brothels was on New Chapel Street in Blackburn which was raided on September 7, leading to the arrest of Zhang.

Advertising was done on ‘Viva Street’ website, with the advert for the Blackburn brothel reading ‘new Asian girl in Blackburn for only a week’.

Other adverts would say the girls would do a ‘strip tease’ or offer a ‘quickie’.

Ringleader Zhong was linked to all the phone numbers and credit cards used to organise and run the entire conspiracy and is at the top of the chain.

Also high up the chain was Yi who ran the brothel fronted as a health centre in Accrington and another brothel in Aberdeen.

Zhang was involved with setting up and running the brothel in Blackburn and police also found evidence through messages that Zhang helped to ‘move’ one of the women who was being used for prostitution.

Zhou ran at least two brothels, one of which was in Stretford. He was also involved in messaging about organising girls for the brothels.

Leong had an extensive role in the conspiracy, being in charge of all the phones but it was argued that she was owed £2,000 by Zhong and that she was coerced into controlling the phones as a way of being paid her money back.

Cheng had the smallest role in the conspiracy having been found at an address of one of the brothels with some phone numbers which were of importance to the conspiracy.

DS Stu Peall said: “The women at these brothels were treated as nothing more than a commodity without any regard for their wellbeing or human rights. The evidence clearly showed that these people were controlling these women for the purposes of prostitution.

“Lancashire Constabulary is committed to tackling exploitation of all kinds and today’s sentences are the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our officers who continue to work proactively to put an end to modern slavery.”

“We welcome any community intelligence that may help to identify addresses where prostitution may be taking place. If you suspect suspicious activity is taking place, please let us know. We take all reports seriously and will investigate thoroughly.

“I hope these sentences send a message to victims of sex trafficking that Lancashire Police will always support complainants and look to prosecute those bringing misery to the lives of vulnerable people

“We want to offer help and advice for people who think they may be victims of human trafficking or slavery.

“There are a number of ways you can contact someone for help. You don’t have to speak directly to the police there are charities that can help you. You can also ring some services anonymously; you do not have to give your name or go to court or give a statement.”

All six were sentenced for conspiracy to control prostitution for gain.

Zhong 39 and of St Bees Close, St Helens, was jailed for 29 months.

Yi, 47 and of Whalley Road, Accrington, was jailed for 24 months.

Zhou, 40 and of Etchingham Road, London, was jailed for 16 months.

Leong, 38 of Haseldine Road, London Colney, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, was jailed for 12 months.

Zhang, 57 and of no fixed address, was jailed for 12 months.

Cheng, 60 and of no fixed address, was jailed for four months.