Rome, operation against the exploitation of prostitution: 7 arrests and 71 reports

It ended in the night, in 27 provinces, a vast judicial police operation with the use of over 400 State Police operators, coordinated by the SCO (Central Operational Service of the State Police).

In Alessandria, Ancona, Aosta, Bari, Benevento, Catania, Cosenza, Cremona, Imperia, L'Aquila, Latina, Lecco, Lodi, Lucca, Mantua, Massa Carrara, Milano, Modena, Naples, Oristano, Parma, Pisa, Prato, Rome, Savona, Teramo and Vibo Valentia, police controls have been intensified on the main places used above all by individuals belonging to the so-called foreign crime, in particular Chinese, dedicated to aiding and abetting prostitution, sometimes including minors.

The activity was carried out by the Flying Teams that, after preliminary investigations on subjects and places believed to be connected to foreign crime dedicated to the promotion of prostitution, they also carried out checks and searches in apartments and public establishments where paid sexual services were disguised with non-existent professional activities (in particular relating to the beauty and wellness sector) also advertised online through dedicated websites and messaging platforms.

Seven people were arrested for crimes relating to immigration, exploitation of prostitution, drugs and crimes against the person. They have been 71 other people reported for similar crimes and, in one case, for illegal sale of medicines for human use (Viagra). During the searches they are Numerous doses of narcotic substances such as cocaine, hashish and heroin were also found.

Administrative measures have been taken against 51 foreign persons, illegal immigrants on the national territory (26 of which were recipients of the expulsion order).

An illicitly held rifle and the sum of over 10.000 euros were seized proceeds of illicit activities, three properties where the prostitution activity was carried out illegally and due to the lack of health certification, violation of the law on workplace safety.

Overall, 82 administrative sanctions were imposed for tens of thousands of euros for illegal exercise of commercial activity, violation of immigration and drug laws, irregularities in the hiring of workers, violation in the field of health and safety protection in the workplace, violation of the regulations on food hygiene and conservation, finally, serious health and hygiene deficiencies were found in some rooms.

In support of the investigative offices 60 crews from the Crime Prevention Departments and numerous dog units operated.