Couple jailed for running human trafficking, prostitution network

A husband and wife have been sentenced to prison for operating a human trafficking and prostitution ring across Aldershot and Guildford, targeting vulnerable women for financial gain.

Wei-Gong Li, 45, and Yafeng Dong, 53, of Birchett Road, Aldershot, used two properties to facilitate prostitution and transported women to these addresses to meet paying clients, authorities said.

The case was brought to light in November 2023 when officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) conducted a welfare visit at an address in Ascot Court, Aldershot.

During the visit, a lone woman was discovered in the main bedroom, which contained lingerie and condoms — evidence of sexual exploitation.

Following the initial visit, SOCU executed search warrants at Ascot Court, Birchett Road, and Bellerby Apartments in Guildford. Officers seized 12 counterfeit identity documents, 10 mobile phones, laptops, keys, a USB stick, and multiple SIM cards.

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Financial investigations revealed £182,385 in cash deposits that could not be explained as legitimate income.

Analysis of mobile phones confirmed that Li and Dong were directly managing the brothels, coordinating payments, and moving women between properties.

The couple pleaded guilty to charges of prostitution and exploitation.

At Winchester Crown Court on Friday, March 13, Li was sentenced to two years and one month in prison, while Dong received a two-year and eight-month sentence.

DS Paul Jarrett of SOCU said the operation was “an organised criminal enterprise which targeted and exploited vulnerable women.”

“The women were controlled and used for sex work purely for the financial gain of the couple,” he said. “Our officers take reports of modern slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation extremely seriously and will do everything we can to put those responsible before the courts.”

Authorities stressed that both local and cross-border trafficking operations continue to be a priority, with law enforcement committed to disrupting criminal networks that exploit women for profit.

This case highlights ongoing concerns over human trafficking and exploitation in residential and urban areas, emphasizing the need for vigilance and community reporting.