Chinese woman charged with human trafficking

Chinese national Guohong Rekkers was arraigned and charged with human trafficking and living on earnings made from prostitution.

The 43-year old born in China but residing in Pietà, was accused of human trafficking, detaining a person against her will, living off earnings from prostitution, managing a brothel, using a licensed establishment for another purpose other than that licensed for, and immoral acts. She pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Rekkers allegedly used the Beijing Bella in Birkirkara as a brothel.

At the beginning of the sitting, prosecuting inspector Louise Calleja asked the court to consider the main witness in this case as a vulnerable witness. The court upheld the request and ordered evidence to be heard through video conferencing. Magistrate Doreen Clarke also banned the publication of details relating to the witness.

For the protection of the witness, Magistrate Clarke ordered the case to continue in camera.

Inspector Louise Calleja prosecuted while lawyer Josette Sultana appeared for the accused. Dr Jason Grima represented the witness.

On its Facebook page, the Beijing Bella is advertised as a "professional massage salon with experienced Malaysian massage master.”