Scores of Chinese women smuggled into Germany for massive prostitution ring: prosecutors

Scores of Chinese women were brought to Germany without valid residency permits for sex work across the country, prosecutors in Frankfurt alleged on Friday.Five suspects are accused of organised smuggling of foreigners for their roles in operating the prostitution ring over the past three years, according to prosecutors.Prostitution is legal in Germany but is strictly regulated.A 43-year-old Chinese man and a 35-year-old Chinese woman allegedly ran the illegal business, using a network of telephone operators in China to handle the bookings, prosecutors said in a statement.The two are also facing tax evasion allegations for failing to pay nearly €3 million (US$3.5 million) in taxes and another €3.5 million in social insurance contributions on the prostitution deals.The 43-year-old man allegedly took charge of acquiring clients, while the 35-year-old woman collected the daily takings and sorted out more than 500 hotel rooms, rented flats and other locations across the country for the illicit liaisons.