Four convicted of human trafficking in Limassol
Limassol criminal court imposed custodial sentences on four people for human trafficking with the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Four convicted of human trafficking in Limassol
Limassol criminal court sentenced two women aged 34 to five years' imprisonment after they were found guilty of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Two other defendants, aged 29 and 50, were sentenced to 18 and 9 months' imprisonment respectively.
According to police, the offences were committed between August 2022 and May 2023. The case came to light following information received by the anti-human trafficking office, which identified a victim of sexual exploitation aged 24.
The court established that the offences formed part of an organised network operating in both government-controlled areas and the occupied territories, with investigators identifying a gang of approximately 200 members. The court treated the organised nature of the operation as an aggravating factor when determining sentences.
The two women pleaded guilty to charges including sexual exploitation of an adult, exploitation of a prostituted person, money laundering from illegal activities, and operating a brothel. One also pleaded guilty to withholding personal documents, whilst the other pleaded guilty to theft and simple bodily harm.
The younger man pleaded guilty to participation in the sexual exploitation of the victim, whilst the older man pleaded guilty to exploitation of a prostituted person.
The court heard that one of the principal defendants arranged the victim's travel to Cyprus, secured their passport and flights, and gave instructions before their arrival. When she met the victim, she confiscated their passport and later organised photographs and videos that were used to advertise sexual services online.
The court ruled that she acted as a "madam" for the victim, controlling their appointments, collecting payments, and determining the share of earnings that went to the victim.
Evidence presented during proceedings showed that the victim's accommodation documents and access to a mobile phone were restricted, whilst threats were made against the victim and their family abroad should they refuse to cooperate.
The court also heard that the second woman supervised the victim for a period, posted advertisements online, and kept personal items. She was also found guilty of assault against the victim.
In determining sentence, the court noted that neither of the two women was considered the mastermind of the broader operation, although both played a significant role in exploiting the victim's vulnerable position.
The court established that the younger man assisted in creating and posting online advertisements for the victim's sexual services and received earnings from the activity. The older man acted as a driver, transporting the victim to various locations and receiving a share of the earnings.
Source: Cyprus Mail