One of Sydney's oldest high schools is at war with an alleged illegal brothel that is enticing clients through its doors with workers dressed as schoolgirls.
The Star Massage parlour is offering services that incorporate erotic schoolgirl role play from its premises in Sussex Street, Sydney – 60 metres from the entrance of St Andrew's Cathedral School. The authorities are powerless to stop it.
Featured in one online advertisement is 20-year-old Ada from Thailand, a "petite, size six, cute little school girl". Alongside her is "mini little student" Cherry, also 20, from China whose "baby face" and "innocent look" will "soften your heart".Â
The City of Sydney council confirmed it had received complaints about the premises including one alleged incident involving a genuine female student who was confronted by a man outside the massage parlour and questioned about what days she worked.
The revelations come 12 months after the NSW government rejected a proposed licensing system for brothels and establishing a specialist police unit that would have better enabled authorities to shut down unlawful premises. Under the existing system, the NSW Police Force has no legal right to enter or close a suspected illegal brothel, while councils can spend up to two years trying to prove the case against the sex shops.
Referring to the matter as "an issue of great social concern", the head of St Andrew's, John Collier, told Fairfax Media: "We have raised it with police who said it is not a police jurisdiction, it's a council jurisdiction. So now we have written to council. I would hope this is at the top of their priority list."
Dr Collier said it was not just his students who had been exposed to the "undesirable" problem.
"The main bus stop located outside our school in Druitt Street services a significant number of students from multiple schools in Sydney who all commute back and forth daily from areas such as the inner west. So there's a vulnerability here that stretches beyond St Andrew's and that is why we certainly want council to close down this establishment."
Star Massage manager Vincent Chan told Fairfax Media on Saturday that he did not allow sex services at his studio. "I advertise sexy girls to attract male customers in the same way that sexy cars are marketed to gentlemen. It does not mean our girls provide sex," he said, adding: "I don't promote it, I don't allow it. If I am made aware of it, I stop it."
When asked why numerous men had been posting online reviews about sex services at his parlour as recently as last month, he said: "They're just forums. They're probably making it up."
Questioned about whether it was appropriate that his business was marketing schoolgirl fantasy services directly opposite an actual school, he said: "I don't write those words. I will have to look into that."
Star Massage takes out paid advertising on several adult websites, promoting "super hot young and sexy girls"Â from "many Asian backgrounds", each with their own "unique" massage style and "ways to send you to heaven", adding: "Gentleman please come and try for yourself. See what all the fuss is about and post your own review. We can cater for most of your discerning needs. Finish off with a refreshing shower facilities and discreet back door exit."
One advert features a Japanese girl named Misaki who is "ideal for gentlemen who likes fresh, young and innocent newbies".
Several online forums feature "reviews" about Star Massage, its employees and their services. As far back as last year, men were referencing the "cutie schoolie kind" employed at the address while referencing sexual services received there, including "nude body slide" and "happy ending finish".
Less than a fortnight ago, several reviewers on the biggest Asian sex website in Australia labelled the business the "go-to shop" for sex-related services in Sydney.
"Its location is very unfortunate to say the least," said Dr Collier, who added that until council was able to act, the school was having to take its own "protective action" which included senior staff keeping watch over students during break times.
A City of Sydney spokeswoman said: "Public safety is of our highest priority and we want all people to safely access public spaces. Our investigations are ongoing and we are unable to comment further at this stage."
A NSW Police spokesman said the force's position on the issue was "already well documented" and most recently voiced by the head of the police sex crimes squad, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, who conceded there were no effective mechanisms in place to identify – or stop – underground brothels.
"The industry should be regulated," she said.Â
Do you know more? eduff@fairfaxmedia.com.au
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