German Prosecutors Allege Smuggling of Chinese Women for Prostitution Ring

Prosecutors in Frankfurt stated on April 17, 2026, that scores of Chinese women were brought to Germany without valid residency permits to engage in sex work across the country. Five suspects face accusations of organized smuggling of foreigners for operating the prostitution ring over the past three years, according to the prosecutors' statement.

Prostitution is legal in Germany but subject to strict regulations.

A 43-year-old Chinese man and a 35-year-old Chinese woman are accused of running the business, using a network of telephone operators in China to handle bookings.

The suspects also face tax evasion charges for failing to pay nearly €3 million (US$3.

5 million in social insurance contributions related to the prostitution activities. The 43-year-old man allegedly managed client acquisition, while the 35-year-old woman handled daily collections and arranged more than 500 locations, including hotel rooms and rented flats, for the activities across Germany.