Nine women freed from narco-brothel in Parla after months of sexual exploitation
National Police rescued nine victims who had been targeted through false employment offers for elderly care work. Eight people have been arrested on human trafficking and sexual exploitation charges.
Operation in Parla dismantles trafficking network with nine victims rescued
The National Police freed nine women who had been sexually exploited in a narco-brothel in Parla, according to El Mundo. The victims had been targeted through internet adverts offering employment positions as carers for elderly people, and were specifically selected because of their vulnerability.
At the first meeting with the traffickers, the nine women had their passports removed and received death threats if they spoke. What began as a job interview became a nightmare that lasted almost four months.
Overcrowded conditions and mandatory 24-hour availability
Most of the victims slept crammed into an attic room with no door and no ventilation, with walls covered in mould. Some had to sleep in the bathroom or on the terrace, as it was "forbidden for them to sleep in the work beds". The main rule of the establishment was that they had to be available 24 hours a day, with no possibility of choosing or rejecting clients. In addition, they were forced to offer or consume drugs, supplied by "two prostitutes trusted by the organisation".
Payments for sexual services were made in cash, although bank cards and instant mobile payments were also accepted. The constant flow of clients alerted both neighbours and authorities.
Raid and arrests after months of investigation
Investigations began in July. On Wednesday 9 September, the National Police entered and searched the flat-brothel and simultaneously arrested five people. The following day, three more gang members were located and arrested, bringing the total number of detainees to eight—four men and four women.
During the search, seven mobile phones used to manage appointments, a point-of-sale terminal, 3,000 euros in cash, small quantities of hashish, marijuana and sildenafil, medicines and extensive documentation were seized.
The investigators described the property as a space "expressly configured to maximise economic profits, with absolutely no regard for the conditions in which the girls were living".
Charges for criminal organisation and human trafficking
The eight arrested individuals are facing charges of criminal organisation, human trafficking, offences related to prostitution, crimes against public health and facilitating illegal immigration.
Source: El Mundo