Two B.C. women are facing multiple prostitution charges for running what is described as a bawdy house in Vancouver.
The pair was arrested after a lengthy investigation into "ISHQ," a so-called "health enhancement centre" on East Hastings Street where police say sexual services were being exchanged for money.
The owner, 32-year-old Jasmine Mangat of Surrey, was arrested at the business Sept. 30. The manager of the centre, 30-year-old Vanessa Alejandrina Hernandez, turned herself in Tuesday after police issued a warrant for her arrest.
Vancouver police vice investigators seized computers and cash while executing a search warrant at the business last month.
A website for ISHQ calls itself a Vancouver VIP escort agency "where everything is possible," and "your fantasy becomes reality with Secret Playmates."
ISHQ bills itself as having beautiful, fit girls with "impeccable hygiene," and offers outcalls to hotels, homes and private parties.
A Twitter account for ISHQ posted a Tweet on Sept. 29 included a help-wanted notice:
"We are currently looking to hire 2 East Indian Hotties to be a part of our team! Apply today!"
A sign on the street-side door of the East Hastings Street location Wednesday said it would be "closed until further notice."
Mangat and Hernandez are each charged with one count of keeping a common bawdy house, one count of living on the avails of prostitution and one count of procuring a person into the sex trade
The duo have been released from custody on the condition they don't contact anyone at the business or visit any place associated to prostitution, non-therapeutic massage, body rub, adult entertainment or escort agency.
They are due to appear in court on Oct. 13.
The Vancouver arrests come in the wake of a recent landmark Ontario legal decision to decriminalize key provisions of Canada's anti-prostitution laws.
The judge struck down three prostitution-related charges as unconstitutional -- including operating a bawdy house and living off the avails -- saying the laws prevented sex workers from moving indoors and protecting themselves.
The federal government is appealing the decision.
Vancouver police Const. Lindsay Houghton says the force is aware of the ruling but will not stop prosecuting such offences until they are removed from the Criminal Code.
