Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

Five of these brothels were disguised as massage parlors, and one as a hairdresser's.

The latest arrest took place on July 8, when officers detained the owner of an unnamed hairdresser's, which had special rooms with beds in them, offering sexual services.

The owner hired other women to provide sexual services, but the police found out that some of the stylists were involved in prostitution as well.

The remaining five establishments were disguised as massage parlors, offering classic, relaxing and erotic massage. During the investigation, the police found out that in reality this meant sexual services.

All six illegal were located in Riga. The majority of them were in private apartments in the center and neighborhoods of the city.

If convicted, the persons charged with pimping may be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.