Two encounters with Dongping Xiao at different properties in the city sparked an investigation into brothels being run at them
Dongping Xiao has been jailed(Image: West Midlands Police)
A dad staying in the UK illegally running two Birmingham brothels has been put behind bars.
Police found Dongping Xiao at a property in Alfred Knight Way in Edgbaston on September 30 last year.
He claimed he had nothing to do with sex work.
But two women were found at the property as well as items that led officers to believe sex work was taking place there.
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Police also raided a property at the Abacus Building apartment block in Alcester Street at the junction with Bradford Street, Deritend, in February this year.
Again, police found Xiao with women and items linked to sex work including baby wipes and oil in the bedrooms.
Police established the 42-year-old was working as a ‘minder’ for women at the address, overseeing their activities, and making sure they could continue with sex work.
He was arrested at the scene, and following a thorough investigation by the police’s Birmingham Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation (SOCEX) team, he was charged with two counts of keeping a brothel.
Xiao, is a Chinese national and an illegal overstayer in the UK.
He admitted the two counts of running a brothel – but is believed to have been doing so for someone further up the criminal network.
Xiao, of no fixed address, was jailed for 12 months at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday (April 15).
SOCEX is made up of specialist officers investigating adult sexual exploitation, trafficking, immigration crime, child exploitation, and organised gang criminality.
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PC Porter, from the team, said: “The fact that Xiao has been sent to prison shows our commitment to protecting vulnerable people and tackling exploitation.
“Hours of evidence building and analysis of phones went into this investigation, as we were able to prove his involvement in the operation of premises linked to sexually exploiting women.
“Outcomes like this send a clear message that this kind of activity will not be tolerated, and we remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, protecting those who are vulnerable and bringing offenders to justice.”
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police added: “If you’re concerned about this type of crime or worried about someone who may be vulnerable, call us on 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website.”
