Spanish Police Breaks Up Forced Transgender Prostitution Ring from Spain-Venezuela

This file image shows a prostitute standing at a bar near the French border. Photo: AFP

Spanish police said Monday that they had broken up a network that was forcing transsexuals into prostitution, after luring most of them to Spain from Venezuela.

"Police have arrested 14 people and freed 24 victims holed up in apartments in inhumane conditions," the police said in statement.

The victims "had to remain available 24/7 for clients to whom they also had
to offer all sorts of drugs."

The network mainly found its victims during the "Miss Trans" contest held in Venezuela, police said.

The victims were not aware they were going to Spain to become prostitutes, and were tricked with other enticements.

The network "paid for breast implants and the cost of the trip", police said.

But once they arrived their papers were taken away and they were forced into prostitution to reimburse a debt of €15,000 ($17,700).

Reuters reports:

MADRID (Reuters) – Spanish police have dismantled a prostitution network that exploited transsexuals recruited in fake “Miss Trans” competitions in Venezuela that promised winners the opportunity of a new life in Spain. Police said on Monday they had freed over 20 victims forced to live in “inhumane conditions” in overcrowded apartments in Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca where they had to pay off debts through prostitution and drug dealing. The network lured transsexuals to Spain by offering to pay for their travel and accommodation, along with new breast implants, police said in a statement. The network’s leader promised them “great prosperity.” When the individuals arrived in Spain, the network confiscated travel documents and imposed a debt per person of 15,000 euros (13,617 pounds) for their return. They had to be available 24 hours a day to clients, police said. The operation led to the arrest of 14 people suspected of managing the network, which earned up to 1 million euros ($1.18 million) over five years, police said.

(Reporting by Emily Lupton; Editing by Angus Berwick and Alister Doyle)