A young woman’s dream of becoming a model turns into a fight for survival

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Becoming a top model was her dream. When she arrived in the kingdom, she believed she was about to make it a reality. However, the two women posing as her mentors had much more sinister plans.

Unbeknownst to the young woman, she had fallen into the clutches of an elaborate sex trafficking ring. By the time she realized the truth, her world had already collapsed.

This is the crux of a case currently under review by the Supreme Court and due to be heard on October 7.

In a brave move, the victim managed to expose the network despite fearing for her life. She contacted her embassy, which then alerted the human trafficking department, leading to the network’s demise.

The first trial ended with prison sentences and fines of varying degrees for the perpetrators. Now one of the defendants is appealing against a ten-year prison sentence, a fine of 2,000 dinars, deportation and the costs of repatriating the victim.

According to court documents, the victim was lured to Bahrain by the first defendant under the false promise of a modeling job.

Upon her arrival, the second suspect met her at the airport and escorted her to a hotel. Only then did the first defendant reveal the true nature of the work: prostitution. The victim’s passport was confiscated and she was transferred to an apartment in the same hotel, where she was constantly watched by the second suspect.

When she realized she had been deceived, the victim was threatened with prison if she refused to engage in prostitution. The first defendant allegedly demanded $2,500 for her safe return home, threatening to stash drugs in her belongings and report her to authorities if she did not comply.

Fearing for her safety, the victim contacted her embassy, which immediately called in the anti-human trafficking department. In 2023, the Public Prosecution Service charged both suspects with human trafficking, accusing them of luring, transporting, harboring and forcing the victim to engage in sexual exploitation, while benefiting from her forced prostitution.

The prosecutor also revealed that the suspects relied on the revenue generated by the victim and others trapped in their operation.