By Tate Papworth
Private investigators hired by Brimbank council to smash the municipality’s illegal sex trade have brought about the closure of two brothels.
In December the council took cases against the two premises located in Deer Park and St Albans to the Sunshine Magistrate’s Court and were successful in both matters.
Both sites claimed to be legitimate massage businesses, however the court found they were both operating as illegal brothels.
The Deer Park site was ordered to pay all council’s costs, totalling $4000.
The figure includes the cost of the external investigators and the council’s legal representation and the fees to lodge the matter at the Magistrate’s Court.
The St Albans site was also ordered to pay costs, which are yet to be agreed upon.
The council is seeking the full costs.
Under the judgement both premises can still operate for their legal purpose but not as brothels.
Mayor Georgina Papafotiou said it was vindication for the decision to hire private investigators.
“Council is very pleased to have two successful prosecutions on the board so far,” she said.
“This legal decision is a win for our community, who have flagged concerns about massage parlours operating as illegal brothels.
“With these prosecution wins, we’re sending a clear message that council is very serious about taking stronger action against illegal operations in Brimbank.”
Officers have also commenced investigations on a number of other premises that are suspected of operating as illegal brothels, and say they will be pursuing these in the future.
When the council endorsed the decision to hire investigators in May last year, it said there were as many as 14 illegal brothels operating within its boundaries.
While the council is forking out $36,000 for the investigators, it says it can’t fight the problem alone and has called on the state government to provide better resources for Victoria Police to address and close down illegal brothels.
