Police shut down illegal brothel in Kingston

ACT Policing, with the assistance of Australian Border Force (ABF), executed a search warrant at an apartment complex in Kingston yesterday morning (Thursday, 29 November 2018).

As a result of the warrant, a 65-year-old woman was arrested and charged with operating a commercial brothel in a location other than a prescribed location, and failing to register a commercial brothel. She was granted bail and will appear in the ACT Magistrates Court at a later date.

Two other women are currently subject to ABF enquiries regarding their immigration status.

Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said this successful operation was the result of information received from the public.

“The result of this operation demonstrates how important information from the public can be,” Detective Superintendent Moller said. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for information about this illegal brothel and emphasize that information such as this assists police greatly, allowing us to shape investigations and target criminal activity in our community.”

Acting Superintendent Kari Ellis from ABF ACT Operational Command said this is the second such activity in the last two months and the ABF will continue to work with ACT Policing to identify potential migration offences and protect vulnerable foreign workers.

“Cracking down on businesses employing foreign workers is an operational priority for the ABF, including through compliance activity and its work under Taskforce Cadena.

“As part of our ongoing work to protect the integrity of the visa system, we actively target those individuals in our community who prey on foreign workers and who attempt to profit by underpaying and generally mistreating them. The welfare of these victims is our primary concern when conducting these operations,” Acting Superintendent Kari Ellis said.

Police are urging anyone who may have any information that could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.

Media enquiries                                                                       

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au