Women Recruited for Sexual Services in the UAE

In a significant development, the Armenian Investigative Committee's main department for particularly important cases has concluded the investigation into a human trafficking case initiated in 2009 regarding the sexual exploitation of individuals. It has been revealed that a woman residing temporarily in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recruited Armenian citizens through fraudulent means for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

According to the investigation, the woman, using her connections, lured Armenian citizens to the UAE under false pretenses, eventually involving them in prostitution. A criminal case was initiated in 2009 under the first part of Article 132 and Article 1321 of the previous Criminal Code of Armenia. During the investigation, the identity of the perpetrator, a 1965-born individual residing in the UAE without official registration in Armenia, was established as R.H.

Thanks to extensive investigative measures and operational actions undertaken by the police, it was discovered that a group was involved in the sexual exploitation of Armenian citizens abroad. Three leaders of the group have been identified, primarily coordinated by R.H., alongside associates N.K. and A.M.

The investigation revealed that R.H., with the intent of sexual exploitation, collected, transported, and engaged individuals in prostitution through deception, promising them jobs during the years 2006-2007. The investigation documented that R.H. gathered five women from different regions of Armenia and transported them to Dubai, while retaining their passports to prevent their escape.

Exploiting the victims' vulnerable situations, such as lack of knowledge of foreign laws and resources to cover travel and entry fees, R.H. coerced the women into prostitution, at times using threats or non-lethal violence. In some instances, money was demanded for the return of their passports.

A warrant for R.H.'s arrest was issued in June 2009, but the investigation was suspended in October of the same year. After 14 years, the suspended case was reopened. On June 8, 2024, R.H. was found, arrested, and presented to the prosecuting authority. Sufficient evidence has led to charges against her under Articles 188 (parts 2, points 2 and 4) and 188 (part 2, point 2) of the current Armenian Criminal Code. R.H. has been placed in custody, the investigation has concluded, and the materials have been sent to court.

The investigation continues regarding other members of the group, with measures being taken to locate and present them to the prosecuting authority. Earlier, in July 2009, charges were also brought against two other leaders of the group, A.M. and N.K., who have faced convictions.