Panaji: Salon and spa owners in Goa are facing prospects of a shutdown due to increasing presence of dubious and unregistered competitors which are doubling up as prostitution dens in the state.

"Unfortunately, salons and spas have become the favourite disguise for brothels and other illicit activities. The establishment of a salon, spa, massage centre, beauty parlour or even Ayurvedic spa as a front allows these unsavoury characters to carry out flesh trade with audacity," Goa Salon and Spa Association (GSSA) Secretary Sumit Bhobe told reporters yesterday.