Anyone here were 1 of the 20+ people that got busted

[Quarter Mile'r]

Can you give us a link to a police site or a newspaper article confiming that? If that's true, then all of the articles I've seen (at least as of last night) have got it completely wrong because they've said there haven't been any criminal charges yet. And BTW, the women who work in MPs or incalls would be charged with being inmates of a common bawdy-house, not found-ins.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=431cc5d2-4496-4400-b367-403d9a07a454&p=2
They are focusing on the charges of keeping a common bawdy house as
noted on page two of this article.

http://www.surreyleader.com/
Another article; Police also arrested 26 customers during the raids, who are expected to face criminal charges along with the owners and operators of the body rub parlours. But in the same article they also say this:No charges have been laid yet, and all of the people arrested have been released from custody.

Of course the charges haven't been laid yet as they still have to appear in
court but if they weren't charged why do they have to appear in court?
Contradicting themselves I would say. The girls I know that were not
caught in the rooms were handed charges of being found in, as it isn't
proven yet that they are inmates until charged in a court of law so it would seem. Anyway you cut it, the girls have been given summons to appear in court for different charges.

..........QM'r

 

[georgebushmoron]

Of course the charges haven't been laid yet as they still have to appear in
court but if they weren't charged why do they have to appear in court?
Contradicting themselves I would say. The girls I know that were not
caught in the rooms were handed charges of being found in, as it isn't
proven yet that they are inmates until charged in a court of law so it would seem. Anyway you cut it, the girls have been given summons to appear in court for different charges.

..........QM'r

Charges not yet being laid is par for the course in such situations. The cops present the situation with a recommendation of charges to the Crown, the Crown goes through its process to affirm those charges, add new ones, to determine charge counts, to find the criminal histories of the people involved, to find outstanding warrants, to put extra charges to those on probation or parole, to find out who are on Visas and the resulting immigration violations thereof, etc. In the meantime, court dates are set (as they are limited if you want things done sooner rather than later) as a minimal set of charges are anticipated anyway.

 

[makuro]

I was 'interupted' at swan a few weeks ago. The strange thing I actually kinda felt it might happen before I even headed down, no idea why I got that funny feeling. Fortunately I wasn't in the middle of anything but a massage. I got my ID taken and that's about it. Glad I wasn't there on Thursday. Hope LE isn't planning on doing this on a fairly regular basis, though I've got a question in regards WHO was raided. Why not any of the other massage parlors? It seems to me it was all the AMPs. *shrugs* Just curious why it was so. Is LE just trying to do a fluff job? Making it LOOK good but nothing beyond that? How many people in vancouver are THAT naive to think that these type of places will exist, regardless of how hard they try to crack down? It's more likely they'll just be a ton more micros instead of the usual AMPs. I dunno... please someone enlighten me.

 

[Sonny]

The media reports include LE saying links to organized crime were found as a result of the raids. "Links" usually means some sort of indirect connection. "Organized crime" often means involvement with drug trafficking. Maybe LE was looking for more than sex trade activity and possible human trafficking (the latter, which, not surprisingly, they found none of at any of the places raided).

 

[rat_fink]

Just wondering?
Would these businesses now offer any special promotions?

'cause you know its all about me.

o7O

 

[jimbo2006]

Update List

The 5 Richmond MP/AMP (Vancouver Sun):

Swan Lake
Jade Lake
Gun Hoa
Fu Yun Massage
Kingdom Massage

Surrey (Surrey Leader):
Lotus Relaxation
Famous
Red Chamber
Angel Touch Bodycare
Shanghai Health Enhancement

This information are from other members on this board:

Coquitlam:
Harmony spa
Ocean Relaxation

Burnaby:
Butterfly
Hyett
Rainbow
Hawaii (Regent)

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=40a4fd8b-7d88-4cd9-a8ba-f1481b29d402&k=98761

Some key info to note from this article (cut & paste):

Police would not release the addresses or names of businesses under investigation, but said most had licences to run massage parlours.

Massie said bylaw enforcement officers from the municipalities involved are making sure the parlours do not re-open.
He also confirmed that five warrants were executed in Surrey, five in Richmond, four in Coquitlam and three in Burnaby. Another was executed by Vancouver police earlier Thursday.

However, Richmond RCMP later released the names of the businesses it raided: Swan Lake Shiatsu, Fu Yun Massage Centre, Gun Hoa, Jade Lake, as well as Kingdom Massage and Acupressure.

Cpl. Peter Thiessen said in the release that four bylaw infraction tickets were issued at Gun Hoa, one at Jade Lake and one at Swan Lake.

 

[Perb Star]

"Massie said bylaw enforcement officers from the municipalities involved are making sure the parlours do not re-open."

Lotus on 108th in Surrey is open again. I called in yesterday and they had four girls on shift. Didnt go in though, as I'm still a bit reluctant with all of the recent publicity.

 

[encarsia]

was on Austin yesterday and notice Buffalo was closed. I forget the new name also the one on clarke rd was closed

 

[HaywoodJabloemy]

The Sun today is saying still not a single charge has been laid after six days, and at least some of the MPs are open. The raids are described as "publicity stunts masquerading as law enforcement" by one columnist. Hopefully this guy and some others in the media don't let up in exposing how phony the cops are. None of it makes sense to anyone who thinks about it. Raids are performed to arrest and charge people after an investigation has already uncovered the evidence. The fact that they arrested 108 people and then released them all without any charges being laid demonstrates they don't have good evidence, and is a sign of either incompetence or a disingenuous PR act.

 

[sirlickheralot]

The Sun today is saying still not a single charge has been laid after six days, and at least some of the MPs are open. The raids are described as "publicity stunts masquerading as law enforcement" by one columnist. Hopefully this guy and some others in the media don't let up in exposing how phony the cops are. None of it makes sense to anyone who thinks about it. Raids are performed to arrest and charge people after an investigation has already uncovered the evidence. The fact that they arrested 108 people and then released them all without any charges being laid demonstrates they don't have good evidence, and is a sign of either incompetence or a disingenuous PR act.

Holy Crap a rational and open-minded journalist when it comes to the topic of prostitution, I didn't think it was possible. Kudos to Ian Mulgrew.

 

[Quarter Mile'r]

The Sun today is saying still not a single charge has been laid after six days, and at least some of the MPs are open. The raids are described as "publicity stunts masquerading as law enforcement" by one columnist. Hopefully this guy and some others in the media don't let up in exposing how phony the cops are. None of it makes sense to anyone who thinks about it. Raids are performed to arrest and charge people after an investigation has already uncovered the evidence. The fact that they arrested 108 people and then released them all without any charges being laid demonstrates they don't have good evidence, and is a sign of either incompetence or a disingenuous PR act.

Nice work there HWBM.
This is fabulous!! Finally someone with the ability in the media to publish
what really went on. I wish they could staunch the fact that no charges
were laid and that the girls still face court challenges for non related
issues to finding illegals or girls forced into prostitution.

But wait....maybe that will work in the favour of how LE messed up
with this one and haven't admitted publicly that the girls were handed
charges of being found in and or keeping a bawdy house as was pointed
out in a previous artical. Keep up the good work Ian I hope you can
expose LE more for what they did. I'd love to see them have to come on
TV to answer to that one.

...........QM'r

 

[georgebushmoron]

The fact that they arrested 108 people and then released them all without any charges being laid demonstrates they don't have good evidence, and is a sign of either incompetence or a disingenuous PR act.

It's not unusual for charges to follow later, even weeks later. There may be too many people and too much evidence to process. Politically speaking, the police have to come up with at least some charges of some sort because they had already received permission from the Crown by forwarding evidence that there is a high probability that crimes are being committed in order to conduct such a raid. Now it may be more likely that only some of the people arrested are going to be charged, but that is yet to be seen.

For those arrested, I would seek a good lawyer in this field as soon as possible and not speak at all to the police or victim services or any of that stuff. And if you had been arrested, I would not be found anywhere near those kinds of premises again until the results of this raid are known. This goes especially for the women.

I can tell that you, QM'er are hoping to hear good news and are relieved for any sort of slight against the activities of the cops. But frankly speaking, I can tell you from experience this is typically how it works. It's better for you (and friends) to brace for the worst rather than hope for the best. At the very least, you would be prepared to defend yourself in case the worst does happen.

 

[Quarter Mile'r]

It's not unusual for charges to follow later, even weeks later. There may be too many people and too much evidence to process. Politically speaking, the police have to come up with at least some charges of some sort because they had already received permission from the Crown by forwarding evidence that there is a high probability that crimes are being committed in order to conduct such a raid. Now it may be more likely that only some of the people arrested are going to be charged, but that is yet to be seen.

For those arrested, I would seek a good lawyer in this field as soon as possible and not speak at all to the police or victim services or any of that stuff. And if you had been arrested, I would not be found anywhere near those kinds of premises again until the results of this raid are known. This goes especially for the women.

I can tell that you, QM'er are hoping to hear good news and are relieved for any sort of slight against the activities of the cops. But frankly speaking, I can tell you from experience this is typically how it works. It's better for you (and friends) to brace for the worst rather than hope for the best. At the very least, you would be prepared to defend yourself in case the worst does happen.

There is that possibility alright that the worst will happen. Myself I was
not arrested or charged just my friend was. Does that make it any
easier for me? Only slightly, it is still my friend who has to go to court to
face the charges handed at the scene.

..........QM'r

 

[Quarter Mile'r]

The Sun today is saying still not a single charge has been laid after six days, and at least some of the MPs are open.

This is such a load of crap that there were no charges laid !
Do I need to quote what was written in the actual link above?.........Fine !!!

LOWER MAINLAND - Some of the women arrested last week at suspected brothels are now talking to victims' service agencies, but there are still no charges laid six days after the massive police raid of Lower Mainland massage parlours.

How do you explain women being arrested then, without being served
charges? If you are arrested they have to explain what for.
Arrested for no reason? Gimme a friggin break for christ sakes !
This is just getting way to goofy.

Okay, in all fairness maybe there hasn't been any "charges" laid as they
still have to meet their court dates yet to see if the charges HANDED
them will be invoked or withdrawn.........Period !

Why in the hell don't the papers say that, that the girls still have to
answer in court for the charges handed them at the scene and the
reason they were arrested?

Or state that girls arrested, handed charges pending court decision outcome.
The way that the paper explains it would seem that the girls got off scot
free without having to face any criminal charges. Total Bullshit !
They are going to court to face these charges handed to them, laid on
them, however you want to say it. So say it then Vancouver Sun.!

Or are you guys just as guilty of political posturing as LE is on this whole
scenario? Thank Christ for Ian Mulgrew to expose this outrage !

.........QM'r

 

[lovinithard]

Don't expect fair or balanced coverage from the mainstream press. They're so tightly controlled by their corporate masters, who are tight with the politicians who run the country, that very little true investigative reporting goes on. They basically run modifications of police press releases and cover their asses. Mulgrew is one of the few old timer ballsy types who can get away with any kind of free thinking. Even so I'm surprised the Canwest corporation allowed his article into print.

 

[Quarter Mile'r]

Don't expect fair or balanced coverage from the mainstream press. They're so tightly controlled by their corporate masters, who are tight with the politicians who run the country, that very little true investigative reporting goes on. They basically run modifications of police press releases and cover their asses. Mulgrew is one of the few old timer ballsy types who can get away with any kind of free thinking. Even so I'm surprised the Canwest corporation allowed his article into print.

Exactly why when the papers phone me to see if I want a free or time
trial subsription to there PC papers that are spin doctored by those in
control that I tell them to shove it up their ass sideways.

They ask me, "Oh !, you don't get the Sun or Province?" (The tone in
their voice like their's something wrong with me),
NO!!........reason posted above.

Yah I'm surprised to but greatful for this kind of journalism.
Very true on why Cancerwest allowed Mulgrew to have it in print.
Probably for laugh histeria as mainstream PC thinking of those who believe
the bullshit that's printed, that's normally written, would take it as such.

...........QM'r

 

[OTBn]

So - the parliamentary report on prostitution was released today... no consensus - status quo remains.

If you're bitchin bout these raids... next time you exercise the itch, and wonder if the police are outside the door, and if you're of the Harper Conservative persuasion, think fondly of the work of one of Harper's lieutenants who significantly influenced the lack of consensus outcome:

Today, when asked for comment on the committee's report, participating member, Conservative MP Art Hanger said other jurisdictions like Sweden have found that prostitution and associated problems "mushroom" with decriminalization. He urged greater enforcement, heavier fines for johns and more assistance to help prostitutes exit the life.

"I don't think you can ever stamp it out, but you must control it," he said.

 

[mick_eight]

You'd be reported to Customs and Immigration by the Immigration officer that was part of the raid team. Your name would be entered in the sex database, Canada's border security database, and if convicted, the criminal database. The criminal database is shared with the United States, but you would be free from any legal action in the US (unless caught with a minor). The next time you try to cross the border, you'd be banned using the border security database only, possibly for a very long time.

If you get a conviction you'd be deported immediately and escorted out by an RCMP officer working for Customs and Immigration, unless there is hard jail time to be served (unlikely) - in which case, you'd serve your time then be deported immediately. Depending on how cruel they are, they may give you a sentence in the community here but deport you to serve it in the US, where they would make arrangements with US law enforcement - and at that point the Fed could decide that a community sentence in Canada is hard jail time in the US (because of the nature of the crime - but unlikely, but they might make you squirm as they take their time deciding).

But if you are a hockey player , baseball , basketball , movie star, everything goes on as before. Money talks as always. Wake up an smell the coffee GBM

 

[HaywoodJabloemy]

...Conservative MP Art Hanger said other jurisdictions like Sweden have found that prostitution and associated problems "mushroom" with decriminalization...

WTF is Art Hanger lying about now? Sweden has had total prohibition on paying for sex since 1999. That's what has made things worse there.
http://www.greens.org.nz/searchdocs/speech6050.html

Nor should we turn to the Swedish model which prosecutes the men who pay for sex. The Swedish experience shows that all this does is drive prostitution underground...

While on the Select Committee we heard evidence from a sex worker in Sweden who talked about the much greater physical dangers she and others now face as a result of the law change there. She reported that some of the worst consequences of the Swedish law have been that there is a lot more underage teenage prostitution, that the mafia bosses have more control, and that workers are too scared to get police help even when friends are murdered because if it gets out that they've called the cops, they lose all their customers.

Hanger is a former undercover cop who wants to maintain the status quo, which allows the two-faced cops to do whatever they want.

 

[Avery]

Since few, if any, of us are movie stars or hockey, baseball or basketball players (I, of course was the mascot for the Grizzlies ), your post is pointless - just like the rest of your posts.

Why was mick's post any more pointless than many others?

Calgary23 asked what would happen if a US citizen were caught in a raid on a massage parlour. GBM responded with a post about the potential consequences. Mick then posted, albeit cynically but probably correctly, that celebrities would likely be treated differently than ordinary citizens. It wasn't a hijack, just a slight tangent.

I don't always agree with mick either, but so what? I find him far less annoying than a few others whose political views differ from mine and who seem to think a large post size is indicative of the quality of the content.