Xinghai Zhou was one of six gang members jailed after a nationwide brothel network was busted

A Leyton man who helped exploit trafficked women in brothels up and down the country has been jailed for 16 months.
In September last year, Lancashire Police’s specialist exploitation team launched a nationwide investigation after receiving concerns about sex being advertised for sale online.
After searching a property in Blackburn, they found evidence that led to further searches and arrests in Accrington, St Helens, Hertfordshire and London.
One of these arrests was Xinghai Zhou, from Etchingham Road in Leyton, who was one of six people sentenced last week for his part in a nationwide brothel network.
On May 19th, Zhou was jailed for 16 months at Preston Crown Court for conspiracy to control prostitution.
Detective Sergeant Stu Peall said: “The women at these brothels were treated as nothing more than a commodity without any regard for their wellbeing or human rights. The evidence clearly showed that these people were controlling these women for the purposes of prostitution.
“Lancashire Constabulary is committed to tackling exploitation of all kinds and these sentences are the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our officers, who continue to work proactively to put an end to modern slavery.
“We welcome any community intelligence that may help to identify addresses where prostitution may be taking place. If you suspect suspicious activity is taking place, please let us know. We take all reports seriously and will investigate thoroughly.
“I hope these sentences send a message to victims of sex trafficking that Lancashire Police will always support complainants and look to prosecute those bringing misery to the lives of vulnerable people.”
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