Journalists' Hands-On Experiences | Sham Shui Po grapples with surge in illicit massage parlors and prostitution concerns

In recent months, the Sham Shui Po district of Hong Kong has seen a proliferation of street-side shops, ostensibly operating as hair salons, beauty parlors, and foot massage centers.

However, according to complaints received by the journalists, many of these establishments are believed to be fronts for prostitution.

Despite their stated services of haircuts and beauty treatments, the primary business of these shops appears to be providing sexual services.

Reporters have observed numerous provocatively dressed female employees standing at the entrances, actively soliciting passing men with suggestive behavior and language.

While such businesses have existed in the area for some time, their numbers have surged, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are now more than a dozen such shops on a single street barely over 100 meters long.

"This not only seriously disturbs residents but also negatively impacts students from nearby schools," said a Sham Shui Po district councilor who has received complaints from residents.

The councilor stated he would inquire with the police about the issue, though the exact number of shops involved in illicit activities remains to be fully investigated.

Residents Concerned about Impact on Youth

A local resident described the situation, noting that "these women standing at the entrance to attract customers are usually dressed inappropriately. They approach passing men with suggestive language."

This type of open solicitation is deemed very disturbing, leading many people to avoid the area either entirely or take longer routes to steer clear of the harassment.

"Actually, it has the greatest impact on school-going students who pass by daily; they can easily pick up bad habits from constant exposure," the resident added, expressing concerns about the potential influence on youth in the neighborhood.

Reporters observed the stretch around Lai Chi Kok Road, finding three to five similar shops within a few dozen meters.

Further down Boundary Street, the establishments were larger and operated in a row, with nearly a dozen such shops along a roughly 100-meter span.

Even in the less densely populated areas near Nam Cheong Street and Yee Kuk Street, there were still around seven or eight such businesses.

Dubious Shops Camouflaged in Old Buildings

These shops are typically located on the ground floors of older buildings without organized owners' corporations. Some are even set up in illegal extensions of the aging structures.

The shop sizes range from 100 to 200 square feet, with a few having mezzanine floors.

Externally, the shops feature large, eye-catching pink signs and promotional materials with price lists pasted on the windows - a stark contrast to the subdued, dark colors of the surrounding buildings.

Despite having glass fronts, thick curtains block any view into the interiors, making it difficult to discern their actual operations.

The services provided by these establishments are priced from a few dozen to several hundred Hong Kong dollars, with additional charges for "special" services.

Many soliciting women speak with a rural accent, leading some to speculate that "many newcomers to Hong Kong are in this line of work, maybe having previously worked in massage parlors."

Aggressive Solicitation Targeting Lone Male Passersby

Reporters observed that the employees of these hair salons, beauty parlors, and foot massage shops were mostly middle-aged women, often wearing tight-fitting short dresses or revealing attire that accentuated their figures.

Presumably, due to intense competition, they frequently stood outside their shops and actively tried to attract customers.

While they largely ignore passing women and couples, the shop workers show great interest in middle-aged and older men walking alone.

Whenever a solitary male passes by, the women boldly flirt and actively coax him, swaying their hips and softly asking if he needs a "massage."

Some men succumb to the temptation, entering the shop after a brief conversation, while others who are familiar with the routine walk in without hesitation.

Calls for Law Enforcement Crackdown

A local district councilor told reporters that this issue has existed since before the pandemic, but the proliferation of such establishments has become increasingly problematic.

He suggested that law enforcement conduct undercover operations to gather evidence and effectively crack down on illicit activities as a deterrent to other similar businesses.

The councilor also proposed initial discussions with the police to understand the problem's scope better, as the outdated appearances of these shops make it unclear whether they are genuinely engaged in unethical practices. More information is needed to determine how many such establishments operate there.

"If these shops are not blatantly obvious, it is challenging to categorize them as places of prostitution," the councilor acknowledged, stating that he would seek to gather more opinions from residents and collaborate with authorities to address this growing issue in Sham Shui Po.