POLICE are poised to launch a test-case against an expatriate-run escort agency in Hong Kong which could blow the lid on sordid sexual practices lurking behind such establishments.
They believe a growing number of escort agencies are simply a front for prostitution and have launched a crackdown on expatriates believed to be operating them. A number of premises have been raided over the past five months, in operations which drew officers from several divisions.
Hong Kong's first attempt to prosecute the head of an expatriate-run agency for living on the earnings of prostitutes is expected to be launched within weeks. The expatriate organisers of one agency and their switchboard operators could be charged with running a prostitution ring if the Legal Department decides to press ahead with the case.
Chief Inspector Brian George, district operations officer for Kowloon City, said: 'We are waiting to interview one more key witness, hopefully tomorrow, and then the decision to prosecute will be up to the Legal Department.
'If this goes to court and these people plead not guilty, the press and public will have a field day.
'No one has been charged yet, statements have been taken from key witnesses and the file is in the hands of the Legal department.' Police raided a hotel room where an interview was allegedly being held for escorts to join the agency and then raided the Causeway Bay flat from where the agency operated. In total, 18 women escorts were arrested.