The Cantonal Public Prosecutor’s Office has finished its investigation into a human trafficking case involving a brothel in the Baden district. Two underage girls were forced into prostitution there in 2023. The case has led to several convictions and upcoming trials for those involved, including clients, brothel workers, and the suspected ringleader.
The investigation started in March 2023 after authorities received tips about a minor from Hungary working in the brothel. Police found the teenager and placed her in a safe environment. They then began looking into human trafficking and promoting prostitution.
Loverboy method used to trap victims
Investigators found that one of the underage victims, a 16-year-old girl from Hungary, was tricked into prostitution using the Loverboy method.
This is a tactic where someone pretends to love a vulnerable person, promises them a better life, and then forces them into prostitution.
The suspected Loverboy brought the girl to Switzerland and handed her over to the brothel operator. Between January and March 2023, the teenager was forced to serve around 70 clients at the brothel.
A second underage victim was also exploited, serving eight clients over three days. The brothel operator is accused of knowing the girl was underage and even advertising her as a minor to clients.
Read more about the Loverboy method here:
Penalties for clients
Several clients were identified during the investigation. Five men were given penal orders for having sex with a minor in exchange for money. They received fines ranging from CHF 250 to CHF 2,500, were ordered to pay the victim, and had to cover court costs.
A 44-year-old Swiss client, who allegedly knew the victim’s age and asked for her specifically, has been charged with paying for sex with a minor. He is also suspected of having illegal pornography. He faces a suspended eight-month prison sentence, and prosecutors want to ban him from certain jobs.
Convictions and trials
Two Hungarian receptionists, aged 36 and 45, were convicted for helping run the brothel. They received suspended prison sentences of 14 and 16 months and were ordered to leave Switzerland for five years.
The main suspect, a 60-year-old Hungarian woman, is charged with human trafficking and forcing minors into prostitution.
Prosecutors are asking for a four-year prison sentence and a ten-year deportation order. She is still in jail waiting for her trial.
The Cantonal Public Prosecutor’s Office is working with foreign authorities to go after the suspected Loverboy and another person involved in the trafficking. Investigations are also happening abroad.
