Read the whole article at The BBC News…

Police raids on ‘brothel empire’

Police have carried out a series of raids targeting a suspected prostitution “empire” they believe was worth more than £1m a year.

The alleged ringleader, a 55-year-old woman, was one of six people held following raids at addresses in London, Surrey and Gloucestershire.

Officers also discovered seven women they believe may have been trafficked and forced to work as prostitutes.

They are thought to be from south-east Asia and eastern Europe.

The co-ordinated raids, collectively dubbed Operation Icefall, were led by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s clubs and vice unit.

In a statement, the Met said: “The investigation centred on a 55-year-old woman who is believed to have controlled the empire, which netted over £1m a year.

“Together with her partner, she is believed to have used mainly trafficked-women to staff at least four brothels in London and the Home Counties.”