A Southeast Asian woman is believed to have sexually exploited her 17-year-old transgender niece for nearly a month, using her karaoke bar and massage parlor businesses as fronts to carry out the exploitation.
The Thailand Royal Police’s Anti-Trafficking in Person’s Sub-Division 5 (ATPD) found out about the alleged exploitation first. Then, in September, officials went undercover – with support provided by OUR Rescue’s Asia team.
Their undercover work confirmed the exploitation of the 17-year-old. It also revealed that the aunt tried to make it seem as if the minor was simply entertaining clients and providing massages.
Officials discovered that the aunt profited 250 Thai Baht, roughly $7.53, for “short-term services.” For “overnight services,” she profited 500 Thai Baht, a little more than $15. The clients who paid for sex are believed to have been primarily local residents, truck drivers, and couriers.
An associate of the aunt handled the financial transactions, according to authorities.
After gathering enough evidence, ATPD officers performed an arrest and rescue operation on September 30, with intelligence gathering support from OUR Rescue. That led to the rescue of the 17-year-old and the arrest of the associate.
Two OUR Rescue Survivor Care members then provided support to the distressed survivor, who was later transferred to a government shelter.
Law enforcement is continuing the investigation to secure arrest warrants for others who have financially benefited from the exploitation. The minor’s aunt has not been arrested yet.