Officers from the Victoria Police Sex Industry Coordination Unit (SICU) have charged three people after a child was allegedly found to be taking part in sex work at a Heidelberg West business premises.
The incidents allegedly occurred at the Vernon Avenue site between August and September 2019.
A woman and two men were arrested in October 2019 in relation to the incident.
The 50-year-old Mitcham woman has been charged on summons with a range of offences, including:
– Causing child to take part in sex work;
– Obtaining payment for sexual services provided by a child;
– Agreement for provision of sexual services by a child;
– Allowing child to take part in sex work;
– Child over 18 months not to be in a brothel; and
– Requirement for licensee to be in effective control of business.
A 32-year-old Mitcham man and 60-year-old Doncaster man were charged on summons with offences including:
– Causing child to take part in sex work;
– Obtaining payment for sexual services provided by a child;
– Agreement for provision of sexual services by a child;
– Allowing child to take part in sex work;
– Child over 18 months not to be in a brothel; and
– Fail to have supervision of a brothel.
They are expected to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 22 April.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The SICU investigates both allegations of illegal brothels and licensed brothels that may be engaging in illegal conduct.
In 2019, the unit made 51 visits to legal brothels and more than 150 visits to suspected illegal brothels.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
