DUBAI // A woman was lured to the country with the promise of a job in sales but was forced to work in the sex industry instead, a court heard today.
The Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance was told that JF, a 33-year-old Filipina maid, convinced her compatriot SD, 31, to come to Dubai on September 7 to take up a job as a saleswoman. The pair had met on Facebook and the maid promised to help the woman obtain a visit visa.
When the woman arrived at the airport she was picked up by the maid and a male friend who took her to an apartment in Satwa.
"She took me to her apartment and locked me up after she took my passport," said the woman.
The maid then demanded the woman pay her Dh20,000 to cover the expense of her visa, but the woman said she did not have the money. The maid then told her she would have to prostitute herself to make the money.
"She threatened me that I would never see my children again," said the woman. She said she had sex in return for money about 11 times before she managed to escape and report the maid to the Philippines consulate.
JF denied charges of human trafficking and running a brothel. She presented a waiver from the victim to the court.
SR, a 31-year-old Pakistani driver, denied raping SD.
The next hearing will be on May 20 to assign a lawyer to defend the maid.
salamir@thenational.ae
