LONDON (AFP) — At least six Thais have been charged with human trafficking-related offences after an investigation by London's Metropolitan Police, the force said Monday.
According to a statement released by Scotland Yard, a total of nine people were charged with conspiracy to traffic woman within Britain for the purpose of sexual exploitation, conspiracy to control prostitution for gain, and money laundering.
Of the nine, six have been confirmed as Thai nationals, and police have not yet confirmed the nationalities of the other three.
The six Thais were named as Pongpoj Pitayatanakul, 31, Bordee Pitayatanakul, 32, Panya Peakaew, 25, Monthira Duangthip, 35, Jirapha Siwisha, 40, and Graipich Vudto, 27.
The remaining three charged were 29-year-old Noppaarat Charoenying, as well as Cuttima Khongpong and Kaewbenjarkarn Phanusak, both of whose ages could not be confirmed by police.
They will all appear before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
A woman identified only as Intayuang, whose age and nationality could not be confirmed and who was charged with being in possession of a false passport, also appeared before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier on Monday, in connection with the same inquiry.
Officers from Scotland Yard's Clubs and Vice Unit arrested a total of 15 people as part of the investigation -- 10 have so far been charged, and the remaining five have been bailed pending further inquiries.
They have found 30 women who were alleged victims of the operation in several addresses raided, all of whom have been taken to a specialist centre dedicated to supporting victims of trafficking.
According to police, their investigation has found that some of the women have debt bondages of up to 28,000 pounds (34,800 euros, 55,400 dollars).
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