Four suspected sex workers from Russia and Japan were among 17 women arrested at five Tsim Sha Tsui hotels on Monday evening as police cracked down on a prostitution syndicate that lured customers on Telegram.

Fifteen were suspected of being sex workers while other two were allegedly the syndicate's leaders.

Eleven of the sex workers were from the mainland, while the Russians were identified as Ukrainians on Telegram channels.

It is understood that clients are charged more for services from the Ukrainian women and the Japanese women, from HK$5,000 to HK$6,000, compared to HK$1,000 to HK$2,000 for mainland prostitutes.

Sources said the syndicate would take half of the profits from Russian and Japanese workers, while a 20 percent brokerage fee was taken for the mainland prostitutes' services.

The sex workers were arrested on suspicion of breaching their conditions of stay, an offense that carries a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and two years' imprisonment. They held tourist visas that allowed them to stay in Hong Kong for up to two weeks.

The two identified as core members of the syndicate were arrested on suspicion of control over persons for unlawful sexual intercourse or prostitution.

Police investigation revealed that the two ringleaders - a local woman, 40, and a 27-year-old Chinese national - were operating out of a hotel room to contact clients and arrange room bookings.

If convicted, they may face imprisonment for 14 years.

"They would arrange accommodation for the sex workers and take care of their other personal needs," said Superintendent Alan Chung Nga-lun of the Kowloon West regional crime unit.

Chung also said officers confiscated HK$220,000 in cash, mobile phones, condoms, bottles of lubricant, mouthwash and towels.

He said the operation broke an illegal cross-border prostitution syndicate believed to be backed by larger criminal organizations.

Police have been in contact with the hotels involved to determine whether they are directly affiliated with the syndicate.

It is understood the syndicate posted photos and particulars of the women including their names, age, weight and height on Telegram channels, along with information about "special services" they provide.

Some postings also included the dates during which the women would be in Hong Kong to provide services.

The syndicate also pays designated agents who are tasked with forwarding the postings to Telegram channels for promotion, with a HK$500 commission every time they find a customer.

The suspects are led out of a hotel by police.

17 held as sex ring broken