Chinese court set to hear sex scandal case

Suspects detained in a sex scandal in southern China involving hundreds of Japanese tourists and local prostitutes could receive up to 10 years in prison, the China Daily newspaper said.

The defendants are nightclub bosses, pimps, prostitutes, hotel staff and employees of a Japanese-funded company in coastal Zhuhai city.

Prostitution is technically illegal in China, but has become common in the last 20 years with the launch of economic reforms.

The newspaper said the trial was expected to start any day.

The tour group stayed at a five-star hotel from September 16 to 18.