A criminal network that smuggled dozens of Thai women into Britain and forced them into prostitution has been dismantled, with four individuals sentenced to a combined 23 years in prison. The gang operated a string of brothels across London and Kent, exploiting at least 24 women.
Achareeya Spurr, 49, Chin Ping, 56, Ugur Sahin, 27, and Sarunyoo Siriwan, 31, were convicted of conspiracy to commit human trafficking, conspiracy to control prostitution for gain, and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property. The three men were also found guilty of facilitating a breach of UK immigration law.
Spurr pleaded guilty to the charges, while Ping, Sahin, and Siriwan were convicted after a seven-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court. The investigation revealed that gang members targeted Thai women, often convincing them to travel to the UK under the guise of legitimate visitor visas. Upon arrival, the victims had their passports confiscated and were coerced into sex work to repay fabricated debts, which frequently amounted to tens of thousands of pounds.
Police discovered that at least one victim was trafficked into the UK hidden in a vehicle crossing the English Channel from the Netherlands. In October, officers from the Metropolitan Police's modern slavery and child exploitation team executed searches at seven addresses, seizing over £57,000 in cash, a money-counting machine, designer watches and handbags, mobile phones, and three victims' passports.
The group was linked to 26 brothels, and investigators identified 24 victims believed to have been exploited by them. During visits to the brothels, officers spoke to Thai women who reported that their passports had been taken by a woman known to them as 'Freya' or 'Freya Ice Queen'.
Detective Constable Kathryn Horne described the operation as a "sophisticated criminal enterprise that targeted women for financial gain, treating them as commodities to be bought, controlled and exploited." She added, "The defendants profited from the suffering of women who had travelled thousands of miles to the UK, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt, control and sexual exploitation." Horne also commended the victims for their courage, stating their accounts were crucial in securing justice.
Spurr was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison. Ping received a six-year and nine-month sentence. Siriwan was jailed for four years and four months, and Sahin was sentenced to four years.
Victim support group Justice & Care highlighted the importance of the victims' bravery in coming forward. Debi Lloyd, head of UK counter-trafficking operations at the organization, stated, "This result is about the incredible courage of the victims who have come forward to share their story and engaged with a criminal justice process." She also emphasized the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in such cases.
Individuals with concerns about modern slavery or human trafficking can contact the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.