Hanoi police have arrested more than ten people since late last year for their involvement in ‘online prostitution rings’

Le Thi Thai, 22, was arrested Thursday night with another woman as they were offering sex to a customer.

Thai promulgated her image, as well as other women’s, on a website called banhmy (baguette). She paid her female sex workers VND2 million (US$95) for each customer they served.

Investigations found the website was managed from overseas and customers needed to sign up for an account in order to procure prostitutes.

Hanoi police in mid-December busted three web-based prostitution rings, which according to police, has helped them avoid detection. More than ten people were arrested.

Prostitution remains illegal in Vietnam. Sex workers may be fined VND300,000 ($14.2) for their first offence and up to VND5 million for repeat offences. Those found paying for sex may be fined between VND500,000-VND5 million, depending on the circumstances.

Police said prostitution in the city has surged, as experienced sex workers are starting to work independently after having established a base of loyal customers.

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