Three individuals have been sentenced to prison for operating a prostitution network that generated over half a million pounds in profit through seven massage parlours across England. Khondaker Fuad Hasan, 40, Liu Xu Hopkins, 56, and Benjamin Hopkins, 57, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on 17 July 2026 after pleading guilty on 21 November 2025 to Conspiracy to Control Prostitution for Gain.
Network Uncovered Through Community Concerns
The investigation began after Wiltshire Police received community concerns about businesses in Chippenham. Detective Chief Inspector Adam Smith from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) stated: "This investigation began thanks to a referral from Wiltshire Police following community concerns about businesses in Chippenham. Thanks to that initial intelligence we were able to uncover a network of brothels exploiting women for the financial gain of Mr and Mrs Hopkins and Mr Hasan."
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) built an overwhelming case using telephone and financial records, CCTV footage, and surveillance evidence. This evidence was presented early, leading to guilty pleas from all three defendants without the need for a trial.
Front Businesses and Exploitation
The trio used Chinese health and massage businesses as a front for sexual services across premises in Chippenham, Gloucester, Bury St Edmunds, Reading, Cheltenham, and Ely. One woman was trafficked from China to work at the venues, while other women were recruited through advertisements and travelled from across the UK to work at the premises.
Each defendant had a defined role. Hasan managed day-to-day operations and finances. Liu Xu Hopkins sourced and managed workers, coordinating their movement between venues. Benjamin Hopkins maintained properties and transported women between locations.
Sentences and CPS Statement
Mrs Hopkins was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, while Mr Hopkins and Hasan were both sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. Andrew Eddy of the CPS said: "This was a deliberate and exploitative operation run for profit, in which women were treated as commodities. The defendants exercised control over the women's movements, work and living arrangements, while concealing their criminal activity behind the appearance of legitimate massage businesses. The CPS will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who seek to exploit others for financial gain."
Next Steps: Asset Recovery and Prevention
Detective Chief Inspector Smith added: "The next stage of our investigation is to determine what assets the trio have derived from crime and deprive them of these. We'll also apply for serious crime prevention orders to prevent them from being able to run or open any similar businesses in the future."
