A Singapore woman, blinded by love, was allegedly tricked by an Italian “pilot” into going to Dubai for prostitution.
She believed that once she earned USD 10,000 for an entry fee, she would be able to marry him. The “pilot” denied the charges, and the case has gone to trial.
The accused is Italian national Achraf Arjaouy, 31, who claimed to be an airline pilot. He faces one charge under the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act.
According to the report, between April and November 2021, he allegedly deceived and recruited the victim from Singapore to Dubai for prostitution. He pleaded not guilty, prompting the trial to begin.
In its opening statement, the prosecution said the victim, who was around 30 at the time, met the accused through a dating app in April 2021. She quickly fell in love. The accused lied that he came from a wealthy Qatari family, worked as a pilot with Qatar Airways, and was looking for a wife.
Within days, the victim was swept away by his sweet words. She gave up her life in Singapore, followed him to Dubai, and then planned to move on to Qatar for marriage.
The accused claimed they would only stay briefly in Dubai, but upon arrival, he told her that to enter Qatar, she had to show proof of assets worth USD 10,000 (about S$12,897). The prosecution stressed this was false, but he used her anxiety to pressure her.
While in Dubai, the accused kept stringing her along with promises of marriage while abusing and humiliating her.
By the end of May 2021, he even suggested that she prostitute herself to raise the money. Though the victim was initially horrified, she eventually gave in, believing it was the only way to marry him.
At press time, the trial was still ongoing. If found guilty, the accused could face up to 10 years in jail, a fine of up to $100,000, and up to six strokes of the cane.
