The Siem Reap provincial court on Wednesday put the owners of three massage parlours in pre-trial detention after they were arrested for soliciting clients on behalf of prostitutes.

Court spokesman Yin Srang said Thai Ny, 30, her husband Khuok Det, 26, and Tuy Srey Mom, 37, were charged “with the procurement of prostitution under Article 284 of the Criminal Code”.

Provincial anti-human trafficking and juvenile protection unit head Duong Thavary said Ny and her husband employed three underage girls. Two other minors were also found at Srey Mom’s massage parlour.

The three owners were arrested in the provincial city’s Siem Reap commune in two separate raids, while five female massage workers were released after questioning and sent to the provincial social affairs department for education and vocational training.

“Police raided the two massage parlours on the same day and they were charged by investigating judges later that day,” he said.