THE alleged madam of a Perth residential brothel has been charged after police found more than $65,000 cash locked away at the premises.
Australian Federal Police investigators executed a search warrant at a Riverton residential brothel on August 29 over allegations that women were being trafficked for sexual servitude.
AFP allegedly found $65,920 cash in a locked safe and cabinet at the premises.
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READ NOWPolice said evidence of human trafficking of sex workers was not found but they questioned the 59-year-old woman over the source of the money.
The woman allegedly told police she leased the property and ran the brothel.
AFP will allege the woman’s visa conditions did not allow her to work in Australia and there is no record of her paying any income tax.
The woman, who is now 60, has been charged with one count of dealing with money reasonably suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
She is expected to face Perth Magistrates’ Court today.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a $25,200 fine.
AFP will apply to have the cash forfeited, from where the funds can be used by the Commonwealth Government to benefit the community through a range of initiatives.
While the investigation has not identified any evidence of sexual servitude, the AFP said they were committed to disrupting and prosecuting anyone involved in human trafficking offences.
“Sexual servitude is when a person is coerced into providing sexual services because they are being forced and threatened,” AFP Detective Sergeant Ross Hinscliff said.
“They may have agreed to work in the sex industry but then they have their movements restricted or controlled, have identification taken off them, be told they owe large debts they must repay or be threatened with violence.
“We want victims to know that help and protection is available and the AFP works with non-government organisations and social workers to support anyone who comes forward.”
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