Story Summary:
- Israeli police uncovered a human trafficking network in Jerusalem involving South African nationals.
- Three South African suspects were charged with running a trafficking ring for prostitution.
- Three South African women were rescued from a brothel in Jerusalem, and two more from an apartment in Tel Aviv.
- An indictment against the suspects is expected soon.
Israeli police, after months of investigation, uncovered a human trafficking network for prostitution in Jerusalem.
South African suspects charged with running Jerusalem trafficking ring
According to Israeli media reports, the operation led to the arrest of three South African nationals, charged with human trafficking and bringing women to Israel for prostitution.
A prosecutor’s statement was filed, and an indictment is expected against the suspects.
The raid, conducted in June 2024, targeted a suspected brothel in Jerusalem, where three South African women were rescued.
Two more women were found at an apartment in Tel Aviv.
According to Israel’s national broadcaster KAN, the police seized cellphones and cash during the raid.
The rescued women told investigators they were mistreated, with one stating they were thrown naked into the street after an alleged trafficker was dissatisfied with their performance.
Testimonies from the women revealed they were brought to Israel from South Africa via Jordan under various pretexts.
The suspects, all in their 40s, were arrested at the scene in Tel Aviv.
In addition, a fifth suspect with Nigerian and South African citizenship was arrested at Ben Gurion Airport in July while attempting to flee Israel.
The broadcaster reported that the detainees were suspected of contacting women and bringing them to Israel under the guise of pilgrims through Jordan and Ben Gurion Airport.
The rescued women have been transferred to a shelter for trafficked victims.
