Sharjah: Two held for human trafficking and sorcery

Sharjah: Two people are facing charges including human trafficking and practising sorcery following a raid on a flat.

Sharjah Police said the arrests were made after they received a tip-off about an Arab man and woman who were forcing women to work in prostitution.

One of their would-be victims, also an Arab, reported the couple to the police.

Investigations revealed the suspects had connections with a human trafficking ring.

The woman, identified as H.H., and the man, identified as A.A.Kh., were charged with trafficking, running a brothel and forcing women into prostitution through violence and intimidation as well as practising witchcraft and sorcery to exploit people financially.

The woman who reported the couple to the police arrived on a visit visa after being told she would be working in a salon.

However, she was forced to sign a document saying she owed the couple Dh20,000 towards visa expenses.

During the raid the police found a large quantity of herbs and other substances used in sorcery rituals, alcohol and papers signed by women stating they owed the couple visa expenses.

The suspects confessed to the crime. The case has been referred to the public prosecution. Sharjah Police urged the public to inform them as soon as possible about such practices.

“Prostitution, witchcraft and sorcery are punishable by law,” a Sharjah Police official said.