Police Raid Uncovers Prostitution at Pink Palace Bali and Flame Spa
Foreign Nationals and Underage Therapists Found in Illegal Operations
Bali's luxury spa scene has been shaken after police raids on two high-end establishments revealed illegal prostitution rings operating under the guise of traditional massage services.
BALI - Authorities have identified Pink Palace Bali Spa and Flame Spa as key locations, with revenue estimates soaring between USD 11.565 to USD 192.811 monthly. Most of the clientele were foreign nationals, while the therapists, including at least one underage girl, were Indonesian.
The Pink Palace Bali Spa and Flame Spa, located in Badung, Bali, were raided by the Bali Regional Police's Criminal Investigation Unit.
According to AKBP I Ketut Suarnaya, Deputy Director of General Criminal Investigation, these operations were uncovered after a thorough investigation following public complaints. "Both spas were operating under permits for traditional massage, but behind closed doors, prostitution services were being offered," Suarnaya stated during a press conference.
The police found that the Pink Palace Bali Spa was particularly notorious, charging clients between USD 64.27 and USD 160.67 per session, which often involved sexual services. The Flame Spa charged slightly lower rates, between USD 64.27 and Rp USD 122.12, with services that included massages leading to orgasm.
Police apprehended 11 suspects from both establishments, including the Australian couple MJLG and LJLG, who owned Pink Palace Bali Spa. Other suspects included spa directors, managers, and receptionists.
"We found evidence of widespread prostitution, with therapists essentially exploited for profit. Unfortunately, one of the therapists we discovered was underage, just 17 years old," Suarnaya added.
The discovery of an underage worker is especially damning, leading to the suspects being charged under child protection laws, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years.
The investigation into Flame Spa and Pink Palace Bali Spa revealed that both had been in operation for over a year, managing to evade detection by hiding behind their traditional massage permits.
Monthly revenue from Flame Spa was estimated at USD 11.565 to Rp USD 12.850, while Pink Palace Bali Spa earned between USD 64.270 and USD 192.811. The spas employed 20 to 30 therapists, all of whom were locals.
AKBP Suarnaya emphasized the severity of the charges. "We have charged the suspects under multiple articles, including Indonesia's anti-pornography law and the criminal code. They face long sentences for their involvement in this illegal business," he said. He also noted that many of the therapists involved were victims, forced into the trade by the spa management.
These revelations have cast a shadow over Bali's spa industry, known for attracting tourists seeking relaxation and luxury. However, the involvement of underage workers and the use of deceptive business practices have sparked outrage. The case remains under investigation as the police work to dismantle the wider network and ensure justice for the exploited workers.
The raids on Pink Palace Bali Spa and Flame Spa serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in regulating Bali's booming tourism and wellness sectors.
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| PEXEL/KINDLE MEDIA |
BALI - Authorities have identified Pink Palace Bali Spa and Flame Spa as key locations, with revenue estimates soaring between USD 11.565 to USD 192.811 monthly. Most of the clientele were foreign nationals, while the therapists, including at least one underage girl, were Indonesian.
The Pink Palace Bali Spa and Flame Spa, located in Badung, Bali, were raided by the Bali Regional Police's Criminal Investigation Unit.
According to AKBP I Ketut Suarnaya, Deputy Director of General Criminal Investigation, these operations were uncovered after a thorough investigation following public complaints. "Both spas were operating under permits for traditional massage, but behind closed doors, prostitution services were being offered," Suarnaya stated during a press conference.
The police found that the Pink Palace Bali Spa was particularly notorious, charging clients between USD 64.27 and USD 160.67 per session, which often involved sexual services. The Flame Spa charged slightly lower rates, between USD 64.27 and Rp USD 122.12, with services that included massages leading to orgasm.
Police apprehended 11 suspects from both establishments, including the Australian couple MJLG and LJLG, who owned Pink Palace Bali Spa. Other suspects included spa directors, managers, and receptionists.
"We found evidence of widespread prostitution, with therapists essentially exploited for profit. Unfortunately, one of the therapists we discovered was underage, just 17 years old," Suarnaya added.
The discovery of an underage worker is especially damning, leading to the suspects being charged under child protection laws, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years.
The investigation into Flame Spa and Pink Palace Bali Spa revealed that both had been in operation for over a year, managing to evade detection by hiding behind their traditional massage permits.
Monthly revenue from Flame Spa was estimated at USD 11.565 to Rp USD 12.850, while Pink Palace Bali Spa earned between USD 64.270 and USD 192.811. The spas employed 20 to 30 therapists, all of whom were locals.
AKBP Suarnaya emphasized the severity of the charges. "We have charged the suspects under multiple articles, including Indonesia's anti-pornography law and the criminal code. They face long sentences for their involvement in this illegal business," he said. He also noted that many of the therapists involved were victims, forced into the trade by the spa management.
These revelations have cast a shadow over Bali's spa industry, known for attracting tourists seeking relaxation and luxury. However, the involvement of underage workers and the use of deceptive business practices have sparked outrage. The case remains under investigation as the police work to dismantle the wider network and ensure justice for the exploited workers.
The raids on Pink Palace Bali Spa and Flame Spa serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in regulating Bali's booming tourism and wellness sectors.
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