DUBAI // Three Bangladeshis lured two compatriots to Dubai on false promises they would find them jobs as housemaids, then beat and threatened them into working as prostitutes, the Dubai Criminal Court heard yesterday. Two men, identified only by first names in court documents, were charged with human trafficking. A housewife identified as RA, 26, was also charged with human trafficking. Prosecutors allege she was the gang's ringleader and organised for the two women to be brought to the UAE.
According to police, the two men confessed to their involvement and said they had taken their orders from RA. RA was arrested on July 18 during a police raid at her home. She has denied the charge of human trafficking. A police officer testified that the case came to light in May when the two victims, NB and LB, turned up at the Naif police station seeking help. Both were bloody from beatings, the officer said. They told police that they came to Dubai on the understanding that they would get jobs as housemaids and were picked up at the airport by the two men and the woman.
The defendants face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted. The case was adjourned until October 19. amustafa@thenational.ae
