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Police arrested 26 men and two women for attempting to control over persons for purpose of prostitution and soliciting for an immoral purpose on September 3 and 4 in an operation codenamed "Whalediver".
Crime officers of Kowloon West Region launched the operation ¡°Whalediver¡± in June to combat the luring of youngsters for vice activities through online forum, social networking websites and smart phone applications in the name of compensated dating.
Upon investigation, officers arrested 26 men and two women, aged 14 to 44, at various locations in the past two days for attempting to control over persons for the purpose of prostitution and soliciting for an immoral purpose. During the operation, Police also seized a quantity of computers and mobile phones.
Among the arrested persons, a 36-year-old man has been charged with one count of controlling over persons for the purpose of prostitution and will appear at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts on September 7. The remainings have been released on Police bail pending further enquiries and will report back to Police in early October.
Investigation revealed that criminals have used social networking websites and smart phone applications as a platform to lure and tout youngsters for vice activities.
Police believe that the operation has successfully deterred criminals from using online platforms for vice activities. Police will continue to take active enforcement actions against relevant crimes.
Police Report No. 244
Ends/Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:23
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