Court sentences three in human trafficking, prostitution case

 A criminal court in southern Morocco has sentenced three people for their roles in a human trafficking case involving the exploitation of a massage and beauty spa in the city of Ouarzazate.

The criminal chamber of the Court of Appeal in Ouarzazate on Thursday handed down prison sentences to the defendants after finding them guilty of human trafficking and operating a premises for prostitution.

Two defendants were each sentenced to four years in prison and fined 20,000 Moroccan dirhams (about $2,000). A third defendant, identified as “R.B.,” received eight months in prison and a 500-dirham fine.

The court also ordered the revocation of the operating license for the establishment known as SPA Hanane, following a request by prosecutors during the trial. The defendants were also ordered to jointly cover legal costs, while confiscated items will be returned to their rightful owners.

The case stems from an investigation overseen by the prosecutor general at the Court of Appeal in Ouarzazate into suspected human trafficking and the exploitation of a massage and beauty spa for illegal activities.

Police from the regional judicial police service arrested three suspects, including the spa owner, the individual responsible for managing the establishment, and a suspected intermediary.

Investigators concluded that the suspects exploited female employees at the spa by pressuring them into engaging in sexual acts with certain clients, allegedly taking advantage of their social vulnerability and financial need.

According to investigative findings, the spa owner and manager were accused of using the establishment to facilitate prostitution and other illegal activities, while the third suspect allegedly recruited young women to bring them to the venue.

The investigation also involved witness testimonies and forensic analysis of the suspects’ mobile phones as authorities sought to establish the circumstances of the alleged offenses.

Following the investigation, prosecutors brought multiple charges, including human trafficking, operating a premises for prostitution, and other related offenses. The court ultimately issued the convictions and prison sentences announced Thursday.