Two Remanded Over Trafficking of Vietnamese Woman for Prostitution

Accra: Chen Xia, a manager, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court accused of trafficking a Vietnamese woman to Ghana and forcing her into prostitution. He allegedly promised the victim a job as a singer, which did not materialize. Chen Xia, 37, along with his accomplice, Le Thi Ngoc, who is currently at large, faces charges of conspiracy to commit a crime related to human trafficking. Additionally, Xia is accused of abetting He Xiao Rei, also known as Nana, a bar attendant, in these human trafficking activities. According to Ghana News Agency, the court, presided over by Mrs. Susana Eduful, has remanded the accused into police custody while a manhunt for Le Thi Ngoc is underway. The court has directed the prosecution to file disclosures and witness statements to expedite the trial. The case has been adjourned to February 18, 2026. The complainant, whose identity is withheld, is a Vietnamese trader, while Chen Xia is Chinese, Le Thi Ngoc is Vietnamese, and He Xiao Rei is also Chinese. On January 20, 20 26, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters received a complaint detailing that the complainant was recruited by Chen Xia and transported by Le Thi Ngoc from Vietnam to Ghana under the guise of securing a singing job at a KTV facility in Tema. Upon her arrival, she was reportedly confined and coerced into prostitution. Police investigations in Tema Community 12 led to the arrest of Chen Xia and He Xiao Rei, along with the rescue of nine other victims. Items seized from the suspects' apartment included a Toyota Corolla, two blue notebooks, and nine condoms. The complainant was not initially found but was later rescued from a locked room in an apartment in Labone, Accra, after being traced with the help of He Xiao Rei. Preliminary investigations suggest that He Xiao Rei acted as a pimp, facilitating the complainant's movement between Tema and Accra for prostitution, with proceeds of about GHS50,000 allegedly paid to Chen Xia. Investigations are still ongoin g.