Pimps Controlled Women With Voodoo Threats: Spain

Cops say 17 people forced Nigerian women into prostitution
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 31, 2012 10:34 AM CST
Pimps Controlled Women With Voodoo Threats: Spain
Spain has busted 17 men for allegedly pimping Nigerian women under threat of voodoo.   (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Spain's Interior Ministry says police have arrested 17 people on suspicion of smuggling Nigerian women into Spain and forcing them into prostitution using threats including claims that they would cast voodoo spells on them if they didn't comply. An investigation began when police detected in January that around 10 women had been brought into the country illegally using a small boat.

Police said that their raids seized computer equipment, mobile phones, and false identity and work permit documents, as well as objects that detectives said were allegedly used in "voodoo rituals." Officers tracked down the suspected pimps in cities throughout Spain and arrested 16 Nigerian nationals and one Ugandan citizen, a statement released yesterday said. It was not clear when the arrests took place. (More Spain stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X