Coimbatore police uncover a large-scale prostitution racket involving foreign women, operated through WhatsApp. Two brokers arrested, 15 women rescued from various countries including Russia and Indonesia.
Coimbatore: The Coimbatore special police team has arrested two brokers who were involved in a prostitution racket using foreign women through a WhatsApp group. Deputy Commissioner (North) Stalin revealed that 15 women from countries including Russia and Indonesia have been rescued and handed over to a shelter.
Following complaints about prostitution involving foreign women in star hotels in Coimbatore, the special police team launched an investigation. They arrested two agents - Sikandar Badshah from Theni district and Stephen Raj from Kanyakumari district.
In a press meet, Deputy Commissioner Stalin stated, "During the interrogation, it was revealed that a WhatsApp group was created to facilitate prostitution across India through 117 agents. Information was gathered about long-term residents and visitors in 8 prominent star hotels in Coimbatore."
He further added, "Based on this information, 15 women from countries including Russia and Indonesia, who were involved in prostitution, were rescued and handed over to a shelter. SIM cards, mobile phones, and bank passbooks were seized from those involved in the prostitution business through the WhatsApp group."
Stalin also mentioned that they are searching for a key accused named Kabir Singh, who was running the prostitution business using foreign women across India through WhatsApp. He added that special teams have been formed to apprehend the 117 individuals acting as agents across India.
The operation was conducted at the Coimbatore Police Commissioner's Office.