AN ALLEGED human trafficking case involving the setting up of brothels in Belfast is now to be prosecuted in Scotland.
Charges brought in Northern Ireland against one of the suspects are to be withdrawn following a decision to transfer criminal proceedings.
Similar moves are expected with three others allegedly linked to a major UK-wide vice ring said to be based in Glasgow.
The development was confirmed as Scotsman Malcolm McNeill was refused bail at the High Court in Belfast.
Mr McNeill (47), a coach driver from Hamilton, Scotland, faces charges of trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain, brothel-keeping and converting criminal property.
He was arrested along with former business associate Stephen Craig (34), Albert Road, Clydebank, during police raids last September.
Mr Craig is accused of the same offences, while two women have also been charged in connection with the alleged racket.
Police believe the gang, which is suspected of trafficking women to work as prostitutes in Belfast, amassed more than £2 million in assets.
They allegedly spent £54,000 on newspaper advertisements for brothels in the city and another £10,000 on the travel costs of bringing in women and transsexuals to work in them.
Two crown witnesses in the case have been moved into protection schemes.
Mr McNeill is due before Belfast Magistrates Court next Tuesday to be arrested on a Scottish petition warrant, the court heard.
He is then to be taken to Scotland to appear in the sheriff’s court the following day.