Foreigner-only restaurant in HCMC busted for offering prostitution services

Nguyen Hoai Thuong, the 39-year-old owner of the Lolita restaurant in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, was arrested on Saturday amid serious allegations related to prostitution. Thuong faces charges of procurement following a police raid that uncovered illicit activities at a nearby hotel on Cao Ba Quat Street. During the raid, officers discovered two couples engaged in what appeared to be prostitution activities.

The women involved identified themselves as employees of Lolita and stated they had been sent to the hotel to provide services for foreign clients. The investigation soon led to a search of the Lolita restaurant, which resulted in Thuong and five other staff members being detained for questioning.

In her statement, Thuong admitted that since the restaurant’s opening in May 2022, the venue had not only offered dining and unlicensed karaoke services but had also employed women who catered exclusively to international clientele. The goal was to avoid detection by local authorities. Thuong revealed that her employees were permitted to engage in sexual services both at the restaurant and at nearby accommodations. The rates for these services reached up to VND8 million ($315.33), with the women receiving a 60% commission.

Authorities have continued their investigation into the case, working to uncover the full scope of the illegal activities and any other potential individuals or establishments involved in similar operations. The arrest raises concerns about the regulation of businesses in high-traffic tourist areas and the ongoing issue of illicit activities within the hospitality sector.