The state-run Labor newspaper says the ring allegedly promised the victims they would be given jobs in China, but were instead sold to brothels for 10 million dong ($500) to 15 million dong ($750) each.

he paper says 20 of the victims managed to escape to Vietnam or were rescued by authorities.

Tuesday’s report says the ring leader was 22-year-old Ngo Thi Hung Trang, who herself was trafficked to China in 2008. It says she ran a brothel in China and colluded with five other ring members, aged 20-27, to sell the victims.

More than 2,400 Vietnamese women were trafficked to China between 2004 and 2009, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

The Associated Press - March 20, 2012