Casey illegal brothels: police investigate Narre Warren and Hampton Park massage parlours
Several illegal brothels in Casey — including one near a school — are under investigation by police. Here’s the latest suburbs being targeted.
South East
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At least four illegal brothels in Casey are under investigation as police admit clandestine sex parlours can be opened and closed with “relative ease”.
And the Australian Adult Entertainment Industry (AAEI) has warned illegal brothels put the community at risk through the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
AAEI spokesman William Albon — whose group manages the interests of the majority of Victoria’s legal brothels — said illegal sex den activity was “rife” in Melbourne.
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Mr Albon said unscrupulous managers ply “sex slave” migrant workers and students with drugs then force them to have unprotected sex.
According to Mr Albon, illegal brothel clients can pay more to have sex with young girls without wearing a condom.
“This not only exposes the community to the transmission of sex diseases and infections but it also threatens the wellbeing and safety of women,” Mr Albon said.
He was critical of Victoria Police, saying they were not doing enough to shutdown illegal brothels.
“It is completely out of control and the blame lays at the feet of Victoria Police,” he said.
“If the police got serious they’d shut down multiple illegal brothels and get their owners sent to prison then the message of deterrence would get through.”
But Victoria Police sex industry co-ordination unit Inspector Jodie Buckley said police took allegations of illegal sex work seriously.
“Victoria Police is investigating a number of alleged illegal brothels operating in Casey,” Insp Buckley said.
“The number of illegal brothels can fluctuate because premises can be opened and closed with relative ease.”
All of the brothels under investigation are located in Narre Warren except one, in Hampton Park.
At least one of the illegal brothels is located near a primary school.
Insp Buckley said police worked closely with other agencies such as councils and Federal Police to tackle the illegal brothel industry.
“Our joint objective is to target operators of these premises and protect and support vulnerable women,” she said.
“There are harms coming out of illegal premises in the form of physical and sexual assaults that often go unreported, health risks and potential exploitation of vulnerable people.
“Unlicensed brothels do not provide the same safety standards for clients or workers as licensed brothels provide.
“Our message to patrons and those people working in these facilities is that the safety of people is our absolute priority and we encourage anyone who has or is experiencing harm to come to the police.”
Anyone who suspects an illegal brothel can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.