HANOI (VNExpress/Vietnam News): A 22-year-old beauty pageant runner-up in Vietnam has been detained by police after allegedly acting as an intermediary in an escort network, authorities said.
Bui Thi Phuong Linh, identified by police as the first runner-up of a beauty contest held in 2025, was taken into criminal custody on Feb. 5 by Hanoi's criminal police for suspected pimping.
According to investigators, Linh became involved in sex work after struggling to find stable employment. She later expanded her role, acting as an intermediary who connected clients with young women offering paid sexual services.
Police said Linh used her social connections to contact potential clients, negotiate prices, and arrange meeting locations. She allegedly compiled photos of several attractive women and sent the images to clients so they could choose in advance.
Once a deal was agreed, Linh handled negotiations directly, finalising the price, time and location. Payments were exchanged via phone calls and messaging apps, with clients required to transfer money before the encounter.
Two women arranged by Linh told police they charged between VND4-6 million (US$154-231) per encounter. Investigators said Linh also collected additional fees from clients on top of the agreed price, keeping the difference as a brokerage commission.
On the night of Jan. 13, police caught multiple pairs engaging in prostitution in separate rooms at a guesthouse in Viet Hung Ward during a coordinated raid.
In that operation alone, Linh allegedly received about VND18 million from clients, authorities said.
The case is under further investigation. -- VNExpress/Vietnam News
