Illegal brothels masquerading as massage parlours offer massages, sexual services during COVID-19
Dodgy Melbourne massage parlours offering illegal sex have found a sneaky way to get around coronavirus restrictions, with ads for “additional services” during in-home visits rife online.
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Illegal brothels masquerading as massage parlours are flouting laws and offering sexual services during coronavirus restrictions.
The Leader found several ads from massage parlours on popular classifieds websites such as Locanto, offering massages and “additional services” Melbourne-wide.
An owner of a massage parlour, who appears to have shops in Oakleigh and Preston, has advertised home-visiting services after stores temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
Under current DHHS laws, spas and massage parlours providing relaxation massages as distinct from therapeutic or remedial massage are banned.
Sex work and adult entertainment services are also prohibited.
One ad said: “We have more than 10 Chinese girls 21 to 45 years old available who used to work in massage shops all across Melbourne … we are ready to delight all our customers in this difficult time.”
The ad also includes dozens of revealing photos of half-naked women, with the caption saying: “All photos are genuinely our girls”.
It also states: “We only arrange massage bookings and do not get involved in additional services that masseuses may provide at their own decision. It’s completely between you and the therapist.”
In another ad, posted on Wednesday, which also included suggestive photos, it stated: “Try my best massage packages: Nude massage:$120/30, $180/60 include full body massages with happy ending.”
The Leader also found dozens of recent posts on a sleazy underground forum boasting to be “the internet's largest sex travel website”, from grubby illegal brothel regulars chatting about where they can get a “sex fix” during restrictions.
One user wrote: “With thousands of Chinese girls (uni students) still stuck in China land, there may initially be a girl shortage to service all the horny mongers.”
Another user suggested people check out areas in Casey, Clayton, Box Hill and Oakleigh for underground sex dens.
The Australian Adult Entertainment Industry, which manages the interests of the majority of Victoria’s legal brothels, has previously warned that unscrupulous managers of unlicensed brothels ply “sex slave” migrant workers and students with drugs then force them to have unprotected sex.
Caitlin Roper, campaign manager for women’s advocacy group Collective Shout, said the sex industry capitalised during pandemics and natural disasters.
“There’s a rise in trafficking after natural disasters, men tend to be more predatory as they know women are more vulnerable during these difficult times,” Ms Roper said.
A Victoria Police spokesman said police were aware of these websites and regularly monitored them.
“Victoria Police take all allegations of illegal brothels and sex work seriously, and will investigate based on the intelligence we receive,” he said.
“Action can be taken against illegal brothel operators by having premises proscribed and charging the owner of the business with offences against the Sex Work Act 1994.”
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The spokesman said while restrictions from the Chief Health Officer remain in place, police continued to conduct proactive patrols throughout the community to ensure that members of the public and businesses are complying with the directions.
“Victoria Police is able to issue on the spot fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses who fail to adhere to the Chief Health Officer directives.”