Five suspects are accused of organised smuggling of foreigners for their roles in operating the prostitution ring over the past three years, according to prosecutors.

Prostitution is legal in Germany but is strictly regulated.

A 43-year-old Chinese man and a 35-year-old Chinese woman allegedly ran the illegal business, using a network of telephone operators in China to handle the bookings, prosecutors said in a statement.

The two are also facing tax evasion allegations for failing to pay nearly three million euros ($3.5 million) in taxes and another 3.5 million euros in social insurance contributions on the prostitution deals.

The 43-year-old man allegedly took charge on acquiring clients, while the 35-year-old woman collected the daily takings and sorting out more than 500 hotel rooms, rented apartments and other locations across the country for the illicit liaisons.

A 42-year-old Chinese woman is accused of making her massage parlour available for prostitution.

A 46-year-old Chinese woman, who allegedly served as the business's on-site manager, is also among the accused.

A 22-year-old German man allegedly worked as a driver for the enterprise, collecting payments and shuttling the women around.

German police raided 40 properties across the country in May 2025 as part of the investigation.

Prosecutors have asked a court in Darmstadt to accept criminal charges in the case.