The Accra Circuit Court ‘3’ has ordered the remand of two Chinese nationals into police custody over allegations of human trafficking and forced prostitution, as investigations into the case continue.
Presiding judge, Her Honour Susana Eduful, ruled that the accused persons should remain in custody after considering the gravity of the offences and the need to secure their availability for trial.
The accused have been identified as Chen Xia, aged 37, a manager, and He Xiao Rei, also known as Nana, aged 46, a bar attendant.
They are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit human trafficking, human trafficking, and abetment of crime. Both pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them in open court.
According to the prosecution, the two allegedly played active roles in a scheme that involved recruiting and exploiting a victim for the purpose of prostitution.
Investigators believe the victim was deceived with false promises before being subjected to exploitation upon arrival in Ghana.
Court documents further indicate that a third suspect, Le Thi Ngoc, a Vietnamese national, is believed to have been instrumental in luring the victim into the country. She is currently on the run, and efforts are underway by law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest her.
In her ruling, Her Honour Eduful directed the prosecution to fast-track the case and avoid unnecessary delays, stressing the importance of an expeditious trial.
The prosecution has been ordered to file its witness statements to enable the defence prepare adequately for trial.
The case has been adjourned to February 18, 2026, for further proceedings, while the accused persons remain in police custody pending the final determination of the matter.
Brief Facts
Presenting the facts, the prosecuting officer, ASP Patrick Issah Achiburi told the court that on January 20, 2026, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the CID Headquarters received a complaint from a Vietnamese trader (name withheld for security reasons).
The complainant alleged that she was recruited by Chen Xia and transported by Le Thi Ngoc from Vietnam to Ghana under the promise of a singing job at a KTV located at Tema Community 12.
However, upon arrival, she was allegedly confined and compelled to engage in prostitution.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Chen Xia and He Xiao Rei at Tema Community 12, where nine victims were rescued.
Items retrieved from the apartment for evidential purposes included a Toyota Corolla saloon car with registration number GT 6402-23, two blue notebooks, and nine pieces of Durex condoms.
The complainant was not initially found at the apartment. During interrogation, He Xiao Rei allegedly informed police that the victim had been transferred to Wei Ja Na KTV at Labone in Accra.
Police subsequently proceeded to the location, where the complainant was rescued from a locked room.
Preliminary investigations revealed that He Xiao Rei allegedly acted as a pimp and facilitated the movement of the complainant to various locations in Tema and Accra for prostitution.
The prosecution further stated that proceeds amounting to about GH¢50,000 were allegedly paid to Chen Xia.
Investigations into the case are ongoing as police continue efforts to arrest the other accused person, who remains on the run.
