Simon Baker KC, leading Mahesh Karu, represented Y at Southwark Crown Court in relation to counts alleging conspiracy to traffic women for sexual exploitation, conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and a number of counts relating to the laundering of millions of pounds of criminal funds.
Y, a Chinese businesswoman, was alleged to be involved in an international organised crime group which trafficked women to the UK to work in a chain of high-end brothels controlled by the group. Y was also accused of helping to launder millions of pounds of the proceeds of the criminal enterprise via China.
Following submissions prior to the trial, the prosecution offered no evidence against Y on the counts alleging the conspiracy to traffic women for sexual exploitation and the conspiracy to control prostitution, and not guilty verdicts were entered against Y on those counts. Following a successful half-time submission, a further not guilty verdict was entered in respect of one of the money laundering counts.
At the conclusion of the trial, which was conducted in Y’s absence after she did not return from China for the trial, Y was convicted by the jury on two specific money laundering counts (with a total value of £1.45m). Following mitigation, the Judge was persuaded to impose a sentence of just 2 years imprisonment (which was substantially below the sentencing guidelines).
Simon and Mahesh were instructed by Gemma Redfern and Miqdad Marzook of Vienna Kang solicitors.
Cases | 4 Feb 25
Author:
Simon Baker KC
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