Robyn Grace
November 4, 2010 - 6:18AM
               
Four people have been arrested in police raids targeting illegal brothels across Melbourne.
Police executed search warrants at 15 properties this afternoon, seizing a substantial quantity of cash, computers and documentation.
The raids are the culmination of a lengthy operation investigating bribery offences, people trafficking and unlicensed prostitution service providers associated with the operation of illegal brothels, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
The eight suspected illegal brothels and seven residential addresses were located across Richmond, Preston, Doncaster East, Fitzroy North, Clifton Hill, Melbourne East, Abbotsford, Seaford and Melbourne West.
Four illegal immigrants were also found at addresses in Fitzroy North, East Melbourne and Abbotsford, the spokeswoman said.
Detectives from the Yarra crime investigation unit executed the warrants from 1.30pm, with assistance from the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and Consumer Affairs Victoria.
A 46-year-old Doncaster East man, a 56-year-old Seaford man, a 50-year-old West Melbourne man and a 64-year-old Doncaster East man were arrested and are currently assisting police with inquiries.
Yarra Police Service Area Inspector Bernie Edwards said police would continue to monitor and investigate the illegal sex industry.
“Today's result is the culmination of a prolonged investigation into the illegal sex industry by a dedicated team of detectives, with the assistance of other agencies, including the City of Yarra Council, which has worked closely with police in relation to this investigation,” Inspector Edwards said.
“The closure of several illegal brothels is indicative of Victoria Police's commitment to the liberation of any woman forced into working in illegal brothels.
"Several families have unfortunately been subjected to living next to these premises."
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