The National Police shut down an organisation in Orihuela that recruited women for sexual exploitation and forced drug trafficking. The National Police detained a 57-year-old male and a 48-year-old woman as alleged ringleaders for offences including prostitution, public health, and money laundering.
The operation freed eight South American women who were being exploited in a brothel
The Alicante Provincial Immigration and Borders Brigade of the National Police took care of the inquiry, completing preliminary investigations that confirmed that the victims had been duped, taking advantage of their financial fragility. The criminals exploited pornographic websites to offer working conditions that were eventually not met, resulting in sexual exploitation.
The male was responsible for recruiting the victims, while the woman controlled the brothel in his absence, determining the rates and conditions for the services, which varied from 20 to 100 euros. They expected the victims to pay 50% of their revenues and be available 24 hours a day, with no option to refuse clients or services.
Overcrowding
The women were subjected to rigorous control: they had no keys to their homes, could only leave to buy food, and were watched over by video surveillance cameras. A diary also documented their earnings and job performance.
It was determined that the victims were also forced to take part in drug trafficking activities. They were ordered to go to a drop-off point and receive cocaine hidden in tobacco packets or plastic bags, transferring 10 to 20 grams per transaction.
They were cramped into a small room with three beds and little ventilation. When there were more than six ladies, some had to sleep in the sexual services area before leaving when a client arrived.
Arrests
Following the inquiry, officers entered the brothel, arresting two suspects and releasing five fresh victims, increasing the total to eight women aged 24 to 51, the majority of whom were in an abnormal administrative condition.
During the search, several items related to the crimes under investigation were seized, including sexual exploitation documentation, seven packages of cocaine, three cans of “poppers” (a substance allegedly used to enhance pleasure), 29 sexual performance-enhancing pills, 350 euros in cash, and two mobile phones.
The inmates had purchased the property where the events occurred using the proceeds from their unlawful activities. The detainees appeared before the Orihuela Court of First Instance.
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