Chinese sex master's wife testifies

THE TRIAL of the three Chinese nationals, including a woman, who allegedly trafficked 10 Chinese girls into Ghana to engage them in sexual activities, has begun at an Accra Circuit court.

The trial however is being held in camera for security reasons. Meanwhile sources say only one witness has been called to testify in the matter which is before Justice Elizabeth Ankomah.

The seven victims, rescued after an operation by the police, leading to the arrest of the accused persons, were also brought to court. However, the whereabouts of three other victims is still unknown.

The accused persons, James Xu Jin, the ringleader, Sam Shan Jin, his wife and Chow Xiou Ying through an interpreter have pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit crime and human trafficking.

The prosecution led by ASP Mary Agbozo has promised an expeditious trial and that witnesses were ready; the reason, court has also decided to sit on a daily basis including weekends to complete it.

The prosecution said the police had information that some Chinese nationals had trafficked a number of Chinese women to Ghana for sexual exploitation.

Consequently, on February 14 this year, a group of police officers from the Criminal Investigations Department led a team of personnel to the house of the three accused persons at La in Accra.

The prosecution said when the police proceeded to the house they rescued seven of the victims but could not trace the whereabouts of three others.

A search conducted in the house revealed condoms, contraceptives, carved wooden male organs, some medications and various sums of money, some of which belonged to the victims.

The police further impounded a Toyota saloon car with registration number GE 9314 W believed to have been used in transporting the victims for the sex trade. ASP Agbozo said investigations revealed that James and San Shan, a couple, transported the victims from China while Chow sent the victims to their respective clients.

One of the victims called Tin Tin, who could speak English, corroborated this and told the police that she and the other girls were given $150 after offering sex services.

By Mary Anane