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Internet sex gang members jailed Internet sex gang members jailed
(30 minutes later)
Two brothers who led an internet sex gang which made millions by exploiting trafficked women have been jailed.Two brothers who led an internet sex gang which made millions by exploiting trafficked women have been jailed.
The gang, which smuggled hundreds of Asian women into Britain to work as prostitutes, made at least £3.2m during its five-year span.The gang, which smuggled hundreds of Asian women into Britain to work as prostitutes, made at least £3.2m during its five-year span.
The women were charged up to £30,000 by the gang to repay their travel "debts".The women were charged up to £30,000 by the gang to repay their travel "debts".
Bordee Pitayayanakul, 33, from Surrey, was jailed for 15 months. His brother Pongpoj, 31, from Paddington, was given 18 months at Southwark Crown Court.Bordee Pitayayanakul, 33, from Surrey, was jailed for 15 months. His brother Pongpoj, 31, from Paddington, was given 18 months at Southwark Crown Court.
Seven other members of the gang were also jailed.Seven other members of the gang were also jailed.
It cannot be right in this day and age that women coming to this country should be, in effect, sold off like slaves Judge Christopher Hardy
Gang members admitted to various offences including conspiring to launder money and plotting to control prostitution between 1 January 2005 and 21 April 2008.Gang members admitted to various offences including conspiring to launder money and plotting to control prostitution between 1 January 2005 and 21 April 2008.
Up to 60 women - some as young as 18 - worked from at least 20 brothels across London, including Bayswater, Kensington and Paddington, often entertaining dozens of customers a week to raise the money they were told they owed the gang. Up to 70 women - some as young as 18 - worked from at least 20 brothels across London, including Bayswater, Kensington and Paddington, often going with dozens of customers a week to raise the money they were told they owed the gang.
Overnight stays The Oriental Gems website set up by the gang featured the women accompanied by a photo gallery showing them naked or semi-naked.
The Oriental Gems website set up by the gang featured the women accompanied with a photo gallery of them naked or semi-naked in numerous provocative poses. It also listed their sexual specialities with prices ranging from £150 for one hour to £1,500 for an overnight stay.
It also listed their sexual specialities. Passing sentence, Judge Christopher Hardy said: "It cannot be right in this day and age that women coming to this country should be, in effect, sold off like slaves to work in this or any other trade for free until their debt is expunged.
Prices ranged from £150 for a one hour call to £1,500 for overnight stays. "Oriental Gems was exploiting on a grand scale both in the number of females on its books, or, more accurately, its website and the turnover in cash generated."
Passing sentence, Judge Christopher Hardy said: "The gang was exploiting on a grand scale both in the number of females on its books, or, more accurately, its website and the turnover in cash generated." 'Assets' hidden abroad
Other gang members jailed were: Monthira Duangthip, 35, from Paddington, (12 months); Sutima Khongpon, 55 (two-and-a-half years), her son-in-law Phanusak Kaewbenjarkarn, 32 (two years), and Panya Peakaew, 25 (28 days), all of Streatham, south-east London; Jiripha Sriwicha, 40 (two years), of Hendon, north London; and Graipich Vudto, 28 (28 days), of Victoria, central London; and Noppharat Charoenying, 29 (28 days), of Inverness Terrace, Bayswater, west London. Police estimate that the business was making a "conservative" £800,000 a year at one stage, with the gang pocketing a minimum of £3.2m.
A 10th defendant, Thatri Pornpaditkong, 27, also of Page Street, Victoria, south-west London was given a 60-hour community order. Although officers have seized £179,000 they are yet to trace huge "assets" thought to be hidden abroad.
Other gang members jailed were: Monthira Duangthip, 35, from Paddington, 12 months; Sutima Khongpon, 55, two-and-a-half years, Phanusak Kaewbenjarkarn, 32, two years, and Panya Peakaew, 25, 28 days, all of Streatham, south-east London; Jiripha Sriwicha, 40, of Hendon, north London, two years; Graipich Vudto, 28, of Victoria, central London, 28 days; and Noppharat Charoenying, 29, of Inverness Terrace, Bayswater, west London, 28 days.
A 10th defendant, Thatri Pornpaditkong, 27, of Page Street, Victoria, south-west London, was given a 60-hour community order.
The judge said authorities should decide whether those convicted should be deported.
Confiscation hearings will be held next year.