GEORGE TOWN: A prostitution ring had been operating for some time using the WeChat messaging app until the police swooped in on Thursday.

       The middleman would look for clients via WeChat.

       Once clients agreed to pay between RM120 and RM200, they would be ushered to one of the budget hotels on the mainland.

       Waiting at the hotels would be local women as well as those from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

       It all came to a halt at 3pm on Thursday after a raid.

       Eight women from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam and three local women were arrested.

       Penang Criminal Investigation Department head Senior Asst Comm Rahimi Ra’ais said police carried out Ops Noda Bersepadu at four budget hotels in Bukit Mertajam, Butterworth and Simpang Empat.

       “The women are aged between 25 and 47,” he said yesterday.

       SAC Rahimi said the police also seized items such as tissue, condoms, lubricants, cash and handphones.

       “Their modus operandi is to use the messaging app to solicit clients from the Penang mainland, especially from Seberang Prai.

       “Two men, believed to be clients, and the hotel caretaker were also arrested.

       “The owner will be compounded under Rule 17 (1) Infectious Disease Control and Prevention,” he said.

       SAC Rahimi said the case will be investigated under Section 372B of the Penal Code.

       He added that police will continue to monitor such activities and operations to stop them will be carried out.