15 Dec 2018

Solomons Police seek public's help to bust prostitution rings

11:48 am on 15 December 2018

The Solomon Islands police commissioner is encouraging people to come forward with information they might have relating to an Asian prostitution ring in Honiara.

The Oldest Profession, a sex worker looks out of the window of the brothel she operates out of

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Commissioner Matthew Varley said any information about vehicles, hotels or rooms suspected of being used for to facilitate prostition is useful to the police whose Transnational Crime Unit is investigating the underground trade.

Soliciting and brothel keeping are illegal in Solomon Islands but there is evidence such establishments exists some of which are being promoted as massage parlours.

The bustling Port of Honiara nestled in the capital's CBD. 05 November 2013

The bustling Port of Honiara nestled in the capital's CBD. 05 November 2013 Photo: RAMSI gallery/Solomon Islands Govt

Mr Varley said the practice is not unique to Solomon Islands with many transnational crime groups running prostitution rackets around the Pacific.

He said there were also reports of similar problems in remote areas such as logging camps and it is something the police would like the public's help to address.

Solomon Islands' police commissioner Matthew Varley.

Solomon Islands' police commissioner Matthew Varley. Photo: Solomon Islands UNDP