Men arrested for leading sex ring with models, beauty contestants

[Muthukali]

Do Trung Kien, 26, at a Hanoi police station for interrogation about his alleged involvement in a prostitution ring.

Vietnamese police have arrested a man for allegedly leading an expensive prostitution ring that employed models, actors and former beauty pageant contestants.police

Do Trung Kien, 26, now living in Hanoi, was arrested after police raided hotels he was suspected of operating in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Friday.

Three women were arrested with their customers at the hotels, including 23-year-old model Hong Ha, who has featured in several Vietnamese movies, and has appeared in advertisements for local and foreign fashion brands.

Kien said he has provided the brokerage service since mid-2009. Customers paid the women between US$400-600 for a night, or $1,000-1,500 for a multi-day tour. Kien got 20-30 percent.

Some models went for as much as $1,000 a night. Kien had a stable source of women including around 20 models, actors and former contestants at beauty pageants in Hanoi and HCMC.

Kien also provided college students for $240 a night.

Investigators said Kien does not have a legitimate job. He frequented expensive cafés and dance clubs to look for men who might become his customers. He especially targeted rich businessmen willing to spend money.

He would leave his phone number so they could call in need of the service, which was always provided at high-end hotels in Hanoi and HCMC.

The police said Kien earned VND200 million ($9,600) a month from the service. They are investigating further.