NEW YORK, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Federal immigration investigators in New York have discovered a red light district online where high rollers have paid up to $50,000 for a prostitute.
Newsday reports officers with the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement have made multiple arrests, some leading to prison terms, during a more than 5-year-old inquiry into whorehouses on the Web.
The sites advertise models, porn stars and international prostitutes that can be flown anywhere in the country for the right price.
Martin Ficke, head of ICE in New York, said the burgeoning business keeps overhead costs down and allows for greater anonymity.
Forty-one year-old Elena Trochtchenkova and 45-year-old Rad Abdel Salem Abbassy plead guilty recently for operating New York Elites.
Investigators busted the business in April and said prospective johns identify a prostitute on the Web site and call a switchboard.
This one was on E. 32nd Street.
Officials allege New York Elites would do a background check on the buyer and, if cleared, a payment would be made, women contacted and flown a destination.
ICE said New York Elites has made $13.5 million in profit.
Others allegedly involved in similar Web brothels have been arrested or plead guilty recently and ICE plans to continue investigating.
Charges range from tax, security and prostitution to immigration violations.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
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