Pic: Dietmar Temps

Michael Wallen from Hackney was one of four men convicted on February 1 for running a Camden- based brothel.

The 50-year-old, of Geldstone Road, admitted conspiracy to transfer criminal property and was jailed for two years and five months.

Simon Earl, 58, from Kent admitted conspiracy to control prostitution and conspiracy to transfer criminal property and was sentenced to two years.

Vera Foushene, 46, of Croydon, admitted managing a brothel and two counts of supplying cocaine. Sorrient Sigba, 54, from Kent was found guilty of conspiracy to control prostitution and conspiracy to transfer criminal property and was jailed for three years.

The brothel in John’s Mews in Holborn, Camden, was investigated by undercover officers from the MP’s Trafficking and Prostitution Unit (TPU).

Intelligence gathered indicated that clients were paying £300 per hour in cash to have sex with young women and £390 if they used a credit card. During their visits, the undercover officers were offered sex with women and also cocaine, to “make the sex better”.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Kieran Backhouse, of the TPU, said: “These four people exploited about 10 young women to make money. Looking at the accounts they kept for their criminal business, they were doing very well from it too.”

The TPU’s intelligence uncovered accounts showing that the brothel had been running since 2006 and that between January 9 and October 18 2011, it had turned over £946,766.

Officers took the women from the brothel to a safe haven, where they were given support and advice.