Yerevan woman faces human trafficking charges for allegedly exploiting sex workers

A Yerevan woman has been charged with human trafficking on two counts for allegedly sexually exploiting two women engaged in sex work by setting a trap and creating financial dependence, Armenia’s Investigative Committee said.

The Investigative Committee said its investigation established that the suspect, identified as S.D., created and deepened the victims’ financial dependence by selling them household goods and clothing at prices about five times higher than market prices. She also added to their debts the daily cost of a car allegedly used as shelter from cold weather, as well as the cost of a newly purchased car.

As a result, by May 2026, despite the women giving money to S.D. every day, their debts had increased from AMD 9 million to more than AMD 12 million in one case, and from AMD 3 million to more than AMD 15 million in the other.

According to investigators, evidence obtained during the investigation shows that S.D., exploiting the women’s resulting financial vulnerability and dependence and keeping them under constant supervision, used violence or threats of violence to force them to remain outside until late at night or the following morning in order to earn the amounts of money she had set and hand them over to her.

The women were able to escape the exploitation only after turning to law enforcement authorities, according to the Investigative Committee.

The prosecutor indicted S.D. under Article 188, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, human trafficking, on two counts.

The suspect has been placed under house arrest pending trial.