GEORGE TOWN: Penang police have smashed a prostitution syndicate where meet-ups with clients take place at budget hotels.

       Potential clients use messaging apps to solicit local call girls from the mainland, especially from parts of Seberang Prai.

       However, the syndicate's were halted after a team of officers from the state police anti-vice squad raided four budget hotels in Bukit Mertajam, Butterworth and Simpang Empat at 3pm on Thursday (Aug 19).

       Penang criminal investigation department head Senior Asst Comm Rahimi Ra'ais said 11 women, including three locals and eight foreigners between the ages of 25 and 47, were arrested in the raid.

       SAC Rahimi said two men – a client and the hotel caretaker – were also arrested.

       Clients were charged between RM120 to RM200 for the services of the call girls.

       Those arrested were brought to the police station and the case will be investigated under Section 372B of the Penal Code.