London brothel raid nets 31

LONDON, England -- Police arrested 31 people in a raid on more than 50 brothels in London's Soho sex quarter.

In one of the biggest crackdowns on prostitution, two juveniles, prostitutes and pimps were arrested on Thursday.

Chief Inspector Chris Bradford said: "The problems have been brought to our attention by local residents and we remain committed to improving community life and clearing out the illegal activities taking place on their doorsteps."

The Metropolitan Clubs and Vice unit liaised with the Immigration Service in the campaign to close down prostitution rackets operating in the heart of the capital.

London's Evening Standard newspaper said that all of the women taken into custody were born abroad with most coming from Eastern European countries.

Scotland Yard reported that 75 percent of London's prostitutes were smuggled illegal immigrants.

Chief Inspector Bradford said: "We have been able to help the unknown victims, those who have often been maliciously drawn in and trapped into Vice rings."

But the English Collective of Prostitutes said they would be protesting against the arrests.

Nicki Adams, a spokeswoman for the group said: "We want police to lay off the women in Soho. There have not been any complaints. These women do not have pimps and they are not working for traffickers.

"Police are using anti-trafficking as an excuse to deport women."

Prostitution is known in Britain as the world's oldest profession and a lucrative tax-free industry -- generating around £500 million a year in London.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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December 28, 2000

Metropolitan Police
English Collective of Prostitutes

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