Four members of trafficking network jailed after forcing women into prostitution

An investigation by Met detectives which uncovered a criminal network responsible for the sexual exploitation of 24 Thai women trafficked into the UK has resulted in four individuals facing 23 years in prison.

The investigation, which was led by the Met’s Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation Team, began in 2025 following welfare checks done by Met officers at brothels linked to a separate ongoing investigation. During those visits, officers spoke to Thai women who reported their passports had been taken by a woman known to them as "Freya" or "Freya Ice Queen".

The intelligence led officers to uncover a wider network of individuals suspected of controlling multiple brothels across London and Kent.

Achareeya Spurr, 49 (10.10.76), of Saint David's Square, E14, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit human trafficking, conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

Following a seven-week trial, three men were convicted, including Chin Ping, 56 (19.01.70), of Saint David's Square, E14; Ugur Sahin, 27 (05.09.99), of Victoria Road, NW4; and Sarunyoo Siriwan, 31 (06.10.94), of Seagar Place, SE8. They were found guilty of conspiracy to commit human trafficking, conspiracy to control prostitution for gain, acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, and facilitating a breach of UK immigration law by a non-UK national.

On Friday, 18 September, all four defendants were sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court to:

• Achareeya Spurr: seven years and eight months

• Chin Ping: six years and nine months

• Sarunyoo Siriwan: four years and four months

• Ugur Sahin: four years

They were all also served with Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders.

Detective Constable Kathryn Horne, from the Met's Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation Team, said: "This was a sophisticated criminal enterprise that targeted women for financial gain, treating them as commodities to be bought, controlled and exploited.

"The defendants profited from the suffering of women who had travelled thousands of miles to the UK, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt, control and sexual exploitation.

"I would like to thank the victims for their courage throughout this investigation. Their accounts were crucial in bringing those responsible to justice."

The court heard how members of the organised crime group targeted Thai women and arranged for them to travel to the UK, often under the guise of legitimate visitor visas.

Once in the UK, victims were taken to brothels across London and Kent where they were coerced into providing sexual services to repay alleged debts, often amounting to tens of thousands of pounds.

Victims' passports were routinely confiscated and retained by members of the group as a means of control, leaving many women isolated and dependent on their exploiters.

Detectives also established that one victim had been smuggled into the UK from the Netherlands, concealed in the back of a vehicle after crossing the English Channel.

On 22 October 2025, officers from the Met's Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation Team executed six warrants as part of a coordinated enforcement operation.

Officers searched seven locations and seized £57,145 in cash, a cash-counting machine, designer watches and handbags, mobile phones, SIM cards, bank cards and the passports of three victims.

The investigation identified 26 brothels linked to the group, including two properties owned by one of the defendants.

Through extensive financial, digital and investigative enquiries, detectives were able to identify links between suspects, victims and multiple brothels, helping to evidence the scale of the offending.

Detectives identified 24 victims who arrived in the UK during 2025 and are believed to have been exploited by the network.

The Met worked closely with specialist partners throughout the investigation to ensure victims were safeguarded and offered support and advice.

Officers established a reception centre where victims were able to access immediate support and guidance from partner organisations, including Justice and Care, who help those at risk of or affected by sexual exploitation, modern slavery, and human trafficking.

Debi Lloyd, Head of UK Counter-Trafficking Operations, Justice & Care said: "First and foremost, this result is about the incredible courage of the victims who have come forward to share their story and engaged with a criminal justice process. After experiencing such significant trauma, this takes enormous strength.