Russian forced into prostitution, court hears - The National Newspaper

Russian forced into prostitution, court hearsAwad MustafaLast Updated: May 25. 2010 5:55PM UAE / May 25. 2010 1:55PM GMT DUBAI //
A Russian woman intending to work as a missionary in the Emirates was forced into prostitution to repay her US$15,000 (Dh56,200) sale price, until she was saved by a woman from Dagestan, a court heard yesterday. The 20-year-old M B told prosecutors that she was unknowingly sold by another Russian woman, who initially promised her missionary work in Dubai. When she arrived in Dubai last July she was taken to the 47-year-old Kyrgyzstani manager S B’s home and locked up, she said. The victim was told that her passport would not be returned and that she had to repay her purchase price before she was allowed to leave. S B was charged yesterday with human trafficking and illegal confinement in the Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance along with her female compatriot, a 42-year-old accountant, L S, and a male Egyptian clerk, M A, 43, both of whom denied the charges. The 24-year-old Dagestani businesswoman A S told prosecutors that she was informed about M B’s situation and asked to offer help. She then met with M B and took her to the Dubai Police general headquarters to file a complaint. The defendants denied the charges, with S B claiming that the victim was her cousin. L S said that she had only rented a room to M B, while M A stated that he was only a driver. Police said they recovered ledger books from S B indicating payments for prostitution. The court adjourned the case until June 8.
amustafa@thenational.ae