'Vice ring' targeting local pubs and clubs

A VICE ring involving prostitutes and pimps from eastern Europe is believed to be operating in Guernsey. The women are allegedly preying on men in the island's pubs and clubs.

Men think they have simply 'pulled', but allegations sweeping the island claim that the women ask for payment after sex.

The story ends in one of two ways. The 'victim' is allegedly frogmarched to a cash machine by heavies or refuses to pay and is beaten up.

An Englishman working in the building trade told the Guernsey Press yesterday that he had heard about a local construction worker who had sex with a Latvian girl after picking her up and buying her drinks in a Town nightclub on Thursday of last week.

When the man woke up in the morning at his Town flat, the woman demanded '100 but he refused to pay.

'Two big bruisers came to his door in a big black BMW and threatened to beat him up.

'They were round within minutes,' said the source.

'There are girls selling their bodies for sex.'

Police said yesterday that they too had heard the stories about a possible vice ring, but had not had a complaint and therefore could not act.

'I am aware of anecdotal stories and rumours concerning prostitution within the island, although no complaints have been received from any victims or witnesses to such activity,' said DCI Nigel Taylor.

'I would urge any person with information concerning this matter to come forward. It is essential that we investigate all such crimes, whether or not they are undertaken by eastern Europeans, as you suggest.

'It is obviously difficult to investigate criminality when we have no apparent victim or witness and for that reason I would again urge any person who has been subjected to any 'demands for money' such as you have alluded to to make contact with CID.'

He added that if people wanted to remain anonymous, they could use the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

'It would be a priority investigation for us,' said DCI Taylor. 'We would really welcome any detail so we can start an investigation.'

Guernsey Licensed Victuallers' Association president Cindy de Jersey said: 'Some members of the GLVA have been concerned for a couple of months that it's supposed to be happening in this island.'

The Latvian consul in London, Uldis Mikuts, said he had heard nothing officially, but was aware of the rumours.

'I'm really sorry to hear that, because Guernsey is a lovely island,' he said.

He added that similar reports circulated from time to time, particularly linked to people-trafficking.