36-Year-Old Woman Forced Another Woman into Prostitution, 44-Year-Old Accomplice Supervised on Site

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has uncovered circumstances surrounding a case of sexual exploitation involving an individual partially deprived of the ability to understand the nature and significance of her actions due to mental disorder.

As a result of comprehensive investigations conducted by the main investigative department for particularly important cases, it was revealed that two women, aged 36 and 44, engaged in prostitution in Yerevan, became acquainted, and over time developed a closer relationship. Aware of a fellow prostitute's mental illness, they decided to exploit her. The 36-year-old woman housed the victim in her apartment and, through threats and violent acts posing a danger to life and health, compelled her, from March 4 to April 20, 2021, to engage in sexual relations with various individuals, including those proposed by her, and to hand over the money received to her. Meanwhile, the 44-year-old woman provided supervision on site, collected the money from the services rendered, and transferred it to her accomplice.

Additionally, an acquaintance of one of the women, who was aware of these activities and facilitated the commission of the crime, regularly provided information regarding the victim's condition, which partially affected her ability to understand the nature and significance of her actions.

Based on the sufficient evidence obtained, both women have been charged under points 2 and 4 of part 2 of Article 1322 of the RA Criminal Code, while their acquaintance faces charges under the same article. The women have been placed under arrest as a preventive measure, while the acquaintance has been subjected to a signature not to leave.

The preliminary investigation has concluded, and the criminal case has been sent to the prosecutor supervising the proceedings with a request to confirm the accusatory conclusion and forward it to court.

Notice: A person suspected or accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty under the law and by a court's legally binding verdict.

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia