Tarquin McCalla (Sperrin Law) and Jessie Smith (Doughty Street Chambers), instructed by Tricia O’Sullivan (Sperrin Law), represented one of 8 defendants charged with human trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain and money laundering.
The alleged conspiracy concerned the operation of an escort agency in London over many years. The agency was headed by a former sex-worker. Following a significant police investigation, including the deployment of undercover operatives and service of over 150,000 pages of documentary, financial and phone material (including over 200,000 messages on the defendant’s phone), the Crown conceded there was no evidence of violence, force, threats, or coercion. The escorts could freely choose the characteristics of their clients, and the services performed. The women could also work for multiple agencies. The Crown’s case therefore focused on subtle distinctions between the lawful and unlawful sale of sex. The prosecution sought to prove that “control” was established by the agreement of commission fees, working hours, a minimum hourly rate, the allocation of work, the provision of security and transport, and the existence of a “dress code”. The provision of a private driver was initially said to underpin the trafficking charge.
The case demonstrates the lack of legal certainty concerning the offences of controlling prostitution for gain and human trafficking. Escort agencies are lawful and attract VAT. However, the conduct described above can...
Housing Department clarifies online comments about interim housing units In response to netizens' comments on a social media platform about victims of the fire incident in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po...