Sin City Gentlemen’s Club: Comanchero-linked strip club operated as illegal brothel
A notorious Dandenong strip club linked to bikies billed itself as Melbourne’s “premier tabletop dancing venue”. But police discovered a lot more was going on behind its doors.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A notorious bikie-run strip club doubling as an illegal brothel in Dandenong has shut down after after a magistrate found it had contravened the Sex Work Act.
Sin City Gentlemen’s Club closed its doors for good after the Langhorne St business was declared a proscribed brothel in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on October 17.
The Comachero-linked venue had been investigated by Victoria Police’s Sex Industry co-ordination Unit for operating as a “sex service provider”.
A police source confirmed investigators received “intelligence” Sin City was offering sex on the sly.
Police successfully lodged an application with the court to declare the premises a proscribed brothel for 24 months.
While Sin City was allowed to remain open during the timeframe, management weren’t permitted to sell, supply or allow the consumption of alcohol.
As a result, management, who could not be reached for comment, decided to pull the pin and close the venue for good.
MORE: UNI LECTURER SACKED AFTER LEWD CONDUCT WITH STUDENTS
IS THIS THE ILLEGAL BROTHEL CAPITAL OF MELBOURNE?
ANGER AS VENUS BABE GIRLS DANCE HALF-NAKED IN STREET
“Once a venue is proscribed, the business is prohibited from providing sexual services and clients are prohibited from attending the premises for sexual services,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.
“Being in, entering or leaving a premises in respect of which there is in force a declaration declaring that premises to be a proscribed brothel without a lawful purpose can incur imprisonment of up to 12 months.”
Australian Adult Entertainment Industry spokesman William Albon said police should now charge the operators of the venue.
“This will help stop the proliferation of illegal brothels,” he said.
Mr Albon also said the venue’s links to an outlaw bikie gang was a “story in itself”.
Victoria Police said there would be no further charges laid.
The controversial club has been plagued by problems in recent years.
In December 2016, two bouncers at the club were caught on camera bashing two patrons.
In March 2018, Sin City was one of several Comanchero-linked businesses jointly raided by the Echo taskforce, the National Anti-Gang Squad and Australian Federal Police.
That probe also entangled a legal firm, an accountancy business and a gym previously operated by operated by a Comanchero supremo.
Sin City dancers have been notified by the operators of the court-ordered closure.
They have told workers they will be contacted when the matter is resolved.
The venue bills itself as Melbourne’s “premier table-top dancing venue”.
Anyone who has information or suspects they know of an illegal brothel is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au