Prosecutors seek 13 years for man in trafficking and rape case

Prosecutors are seeking a 13-year prison sentence for a 45-year-old man accused of human trafficking and rape, among other offences, in a case involving women from Colombia, Yle reported.

Prosecutors say the man recruited 10 women through a Colombian dating service, persuading them to come to Finland with promises of relationships and jobs. They allege that the women lived under his control in Finland and that the suspected offences took place in Espoo and Kirkkonummi between 2019 and 2024.

The charges include three counts of aggravated human trafficking, seven counts of human trafficking, two counts of aggravated rape and one count of rape. The prosecutor, Jenni Louhenperä-Kivinen, said in closing arguments at the Länsi-Uusimaa District Court on Wednesday: “This is not a case of anyone being chained to a radiator.”

According to prosecutors, the women were from poor backgrounds, had no language skills, incurred debt to travel to Finland and had family members to support in Colombia. They allege the man sought women who would be vulnerable and dependent on him. Prosecutors say his actions were connected to his sex addiction and that he used the women to fulfil his sexual desires.

The alleged conduct included requiring the women to be naked in the apartment and having unprotected sex with them. Prosecutors also say the man offered the women to friends, who had sex with them in exchange for payment. The women were allegedly made to take part in group sex and sex parties, and to continue sexual acts when they no longer wanted to.

Prosecutors say the women also looked after the man’s children. His defence has cited photographs from the children’s birthday parties showing a happy atmosphere. Louhenperä-Kivinen said the women had nothing against the children, and argued that they were expected to appear happy at sex parties as part of the psychological control used against them.

The man, who has been in custody, attended Wednesday’s partly public hearing. The trial has been held behind closed doors for a year. Other defendants also face charges, including exploiting a person involved in sex work. Closing arguments are due to continue next week, after which the court will begin preparing its verdict.