Two Ugandan women arrested for running sex cartel in India

A handcuffed suspect. Courtesy photo

Police in Pimpri-Chinchwad, India are holding two female Ugandans for allegedly operating a sex racket in a house they rented in Theorgan and for illegally staying in the country.

The two women spent the night of July 18 behind bars as police sought more leads into the duo’s connection with complex sex cartels.

They were reportedly marketing sex slaves and negotiating with clients through social messaging network Whatsapp.

Customers who agreed to buy their services would then come to their Theorgan residence.

Police said concerned Indians registered the first complaint and offered the initial tip-off at Wakad Police Station on July 18 before officers swung into action and nabbed the Ugandans.

Local Police did not reveal the identities of the Ugandan women as investigations were ongoing.

But initial findings indicated they had entered India using business visas two years ago.

They had stayed in the country even after their business visas expired.

Assistant Police Inspector Sapna Devtale, their case’s investigation officer, also revealed that the duo previously worked at a garment business in Mumbai and Pune.

Cases of Ugandans’ involvement in sex cartels are common. Some of the suspects are victims of human trafficking as many struggle to seek greener pastures abroad.

Some labour export companies still promise Ugandans fat jobs outside the country, but some end up being sold into prostitution.

Consequently, some of these later orient new comers, growing the cartel that unscrupulous labor export companies continue to feed due to youth unemployment levels in Uganda.

It is not clear if Kampala had already got in touch with New Delhi to help the women return home or if they would face trial for their charges in India.

Uganda and India enjoy warm bilateral relations. Indians have been pushing government to add them to the list of Uganda’s tribes, given their history in the country, and contribution to the economy.

Additional Reporting: Indian Express News