Women face court for alleged prostitution offences after police sting targets Ipswich brothels

Five women who were arrested last year during a police sting targeting illegal brothels have faced court for alleged prostitution offences.

Five women who were arrested last year during a police sting targeting illegal brothels have faced court for alleged prostitution offences.

Booval woman Bian Fang Chen, 35, Silkstone woman Shangqun Xie, 49, Sunnybank woman Juan Zhang, 31, Redbank Plains woman Yanhong Zheng, 44, Silkstone woman Zhen Xia Tian, 29, were charged following a police investigation into illegal Ipswich brothels.

Zhen Xia Tian leaves Ipswich Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

The women’s matters were heard in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Ms Chen, Ms Xie, Ms Zhang and Ms Tian each face one charge of engaging in prostitution through unlawful prostitution business.

Ms Zheng was charged with knowingly carrying on the business of providing unlawful prostitution.

Ms Chen, Ms Xie, Ms Zhang and Ms Zheng will all next appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court on February 18 for sentencing.

Ms Tian will next appear in court on February 17 for mention.

The women were charged following a series of raids on Ipswich massage parlours.

In December police announced Operation Tango Convenience saw four search warrants executed and three massage parlours were alleged to have been illegal brothels.

$17,000 cash was seized during the operation and the women were charged and issued notices to appear in court.