A SYDNEY madam has been charged with running an illegal prostitution ring on Queensland's Gold Coast.
The 42-year-old allegedly ran the ring from Sydney, recruiting sex workers through ads placed in Asian newspapers in the NSW capital and in Brisbane.
Police allege she then organised accommodation for the prostitutes on the Gold Coast and began advertising for customers.
The woman has been charged with carrying on the business of unlawful prostitution. She'll face the Southport Magistrates Court on October 13.
It's the first time anyone has been charged with the offence since it was introduced last month. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' jail.
The woman was arrested after a year-long covert police investigation dubbed Operation Hotel Caftan.
During the operation, detectives and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship searched a number of Gold Coast homes, resulting in 18 illegal prostitution charges against six women.
Cash and property totalling $4540 were also seized.
Detective Superintendent Brian Wilkins said police were serious about stamping out illegal prostitution, including rings run from interstate.
"The service will continue to work in partnership with our commonwealth colleagues to target those who attempt to benefit from illegal prostitution in Queensland, regardless of where they are based," he said.
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