Police swoop on Chinese brothels in Balzan, Attard

Lin Han, 32 of Attard, was granted bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a €20,000 personal guarantee after she pleaded not guilty to managing or sharing a brothel, knowingly lived on the earnings of prostitution, and made use illicit use of commercial premises.

Han was arrested after days of observations conducted by plain clothes Vice Squad officers last Sunday, where another three Chinese women were arrested for allegedly offering sexual services inside the massage parlours.

Police Inspector Louise Calleja informed Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit that €24,000 in cash were seized from Han's residence in Attard.

Han also co-owns the 'Golden Horse' Chinese restaurant in Attard, but police said it was not connected to the investigations.

She is also currently undergoing separate criminal proceedings on similar charges before another Magistrate after she was arrested last year.

Following her arraignment, Han burst into tears after learning that she was unable to pay her bail, and was heard saying that the police have taken all her money. She was escorted to the lock-up cells at the Floriana Police Headquarters, where she will be held until bail is deposited.

Meanwhile, three women, 42 year-old Liu Renhua, 43 year-old Yu Yali and 44 year-old Qin Weihong were separately charged late yesterday evening with using an establishment for prostitution.

They pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody, with Magistrate Marsann Farrugia ordering they be escorted to Corradino Prisons.

Further investigations are said to be ongoing.