Authorities in the German city of Solingen have shut down and sealed two illegally operated brothels during a major inspection targeting illegal prostitution. Six sex workers were found at the two locations, while a third establishment that was operating legally was also inspected.
The operation took place on July 9 as part of a wider enforcement campaign in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. According to the City of Solingen, the main goals were to identify illegal prostitution businesses, protect possible victims and combat organized crime.
Three Prostitution Establishments Inspected
Authorities inspected three locations during the operation. One was described as a legally operated brothel, while the other two were found to be operating illegally, according to information released by the city.
The two illegal establishments were closed immediately following the inspections and officially sealed by authorities. Extensive administrative offence proceedings are now being initiated against the people responsible for operating the businesses.
Six Sex Workers Found at Illegal Locations
Officials found a total of six sex workers at the two illegal establishments. At the time of the original report, authorities were still checking their identities and countries of origin.
No further details about the six workers were provided. The published information also did not state whether authorities had identified confirmed cases of human trafficking or forced prostitution among those found during the operation.
Several Authorities Took Part in the Operation
Solingen’s public order office and immigration authority participated in the inspections. The operation formed part of a wider coordinated enforcement campaign supported by the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry for Regional Development, Housing, Building and Digitalization and the Rhein-Wupper joint coordination office.
A representative of the state ministry also accompanied officials during the operation in Solingen. The coordinated action was designed to identify illegal prostitution businesses and possible criminal structures connected with them.
City Says Protection of Potential Victims Is a Priority
Eva Stangenberg, head of Solingen’s Safety and Public Order department, led the operation. She said that authorities would continue taking action against illegally operated prostitution establishments rather than ignoring them.
According to Stangenberg, closing illegal prostitution businesses can remove the financial basis of those responsible and potentially help people experiencing coercion. She said the operation concerned not only administrative offences but also the protection of human dignity and the fight against organized crime.
Authorities Target Illegal Prostitution Structures
According to the city, inspections of this kind are intended to uncover illegal structures within the prostitution sector. Authorities also aim to identify people who may be experiencing exploitation, coercion or other forms of abuse.
The immediate result of the Solingen operation was the closure of two establishments and the beginning of administrative proceedings against their operators. The legally operated brothel included in the inspection was not reported as having been closed.
Further information about the six sex workers and the proceedings against those responsible for the two illegal establishments had not been released at the time of the original report.