Asti, illegal prostitution ring busted: Chinese woman arrested, apartments and €50 seized.

Asti, September 11, 2025 – The Italian State Police conducted a major operation against illegal prostitution. Officers from the Flying Squad, coordinated by the Asti Public Prosecutor's Office, arrested a Chinese citizen—regularly residing in Italy thanks to a work permit—held responsible for running a large prostitution ring. The investigation also led to the seizure of two apartments, the confiscation of €50 in cash, and the deportation of four foreign citizens found to be illegal.

The system of brothels

After months of investigations and cross-checks conducted with the support of the Immigration Office, the police reconstructed the modus operandi of the woman, considered the true "mistress" of the organization.
According to what emerged, the Chinese citizen rented two apartments in Asti to illegal Chinese nationals, who were forced to prostitute themselves and pay her the proceeds of their activities. To ensure constant surveillance of the women, the owner had installed cameras connected to remotely controlled electronic systems, thus monitoring the victims' movements and activities.

Local magazine ads to attract customers

To boost her business and expand her clientele, the woman regularly placed ads in local magazines, promoting the services of her exploited compatriots. This strategy had turned the two apartments into veritable brothels, with a constant flow of clients.

Searches and seizures

Investigators identified the properties used and, on orders from the Asti GIP, carried out thorough searches.
Inside the apartments the following were seized:

• 2 apartments used as brothels;
• 50.000 euros in cash, believed to be the proceeds of the illegal activity;
• 2 surveillance cameras with remote management systems;
• various electronic devices for remote control.

During the operation, the police also discovered that the woman had declared a fictitious address, at the home of an Italian citizen, with the aim of obtaining a regular residence permit. The man was charged with making false declarations.

Four illegal citizens expelled

During the raid, officers identified three women and a man—all of Chinese origin—who were found to be illegally residing in Italy. They were issued expulsion orders, ordering them to leave Italy.

A hard blow to exploitation

The operation represents a significant step in the fight against the exploitation of prostitution and related illegal activities. The Asti State Police reaffirms its ongoing commitment to combating these criminal activities, emphasizing that the investigation led not only to the arrest of the alleged perpetrator, but also to the safety of victims potentially exposed to exploitation.