Trial of three Chinese in sex trade case begins

Accra, March 5, GNA - The trial began on Thursday at a Circuit Court in Accra of three Chinese who were busted recently for transporting and trafficking 10 Chinese girls to engage in the sex trade in Ghana. Proceedings were, however, conducted in camera.

The Prosecution is said to have called one witness who tendered various tapes and materials on the activities of the three accused persons. James Xu Jin, 41, who is believed to be the ring leader and night club operator, Sam Shan Ying, a housewife and Chou Xiu Ying, a night club operator, are facing charges of conspiracy and human trafficking. They have pleaded not guilty and have been remanded into police custody.

The court had earlier on turned down bail applications by the three.

Meanwhile the Police are hunting three of the victims whose whereabouts are unknown. Hearing would continue on March 7. On February 14, a group of Police officers from the Criminal Investigations Department led other police personnel to the house of the three accused persons at La in Accra.

The prosecution said when the police proceeded to the house they rescued seven of the victims, adding that, the whereabouts of three of the victims were unknown.

A search conducted in the house revealed condoms, contraceptives, wooden carved male organs and other medications and various sums of money, some of which belonged to the victims.

The police further impounded a Toyota saloon car with registration number GE 9314 W believed to have been used in transporting the victims for the sex trade. ASP Agbozo said investigations revealed that James and San Shan transported the victims from China while Chow sent the victims to their respective clients.

The prosecution said one of the victims, Tin Tin, who could speak English told them that James and San Shan brought them to Ghana and they were paid 150 dollars on their return from the rounds.