Officers from the Sex Crimes Division conducted an operation on 26 and 27 August to identify Top End massage parlours that are believed to be providing sexual services for their clientele. Australian Border Force (ABF) Officers were also present to identify individuals potentially in breach of visa conditions.

“Under the Prostitution Regulation Act, while escort services are legal when properly licensed in the Territory, operation of a brothel is not,” Detective A/Senior Sergeant Janelle Tonkin said.

“Police had received information that a number of massage parlours were operating as fronts and that workers within them were offering sexual services alongside massages – there were even website threads naming the businesses, the prices and services available.

“It appears that this is a growing trade in the Top End and it must be reinforced that it is illegal for an establishment to provide sexual services.

“The workers were not the target of this operation, nor were the clients. This operation targeted business owners believed to be operating illegally and possibly exploiting young foreign workers and students.

Police attended 19 establishments on Wednesday, in partnership with the ABF. A number of people were spoken to regarding activities believed to be occurring within the establishments and Police are still investigating several businesses.

“Police will continue to investigate reports received and encourage anyone with knowledge that a business is supplying sexual services to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.”