44 arrested in West Kowloon vice operation, youngest aged 17

Police and immigration authorities arrested 44 people during an anti-vice operation in West Kowloon on Monday.

Kowloon West Regional Crime Unit, along with special duties teams from Yau Tsim, Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, and Kowloon City districts, and Immigration Department personnel conducted operations codenamed "DAMPCOURSE" and "THUNDERBOLT" targeting illegal prostitution activities.

Officers raided multiple locations in Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, and Sham Shui Po districts, including Pitt Street, Shanghai Street, and Temple Street areas in Yau Ma Tei.

Those arrested include 32 mainland Chinese women and 12 non-Chinese women aged 17 to 52, suspected of "violating stay conditions." All remain in custody for investigation, with some individuals scheduled for transfer to relevant departments.