Posted by The Associated Press on
Eighteen people in a suspected prostitution network with ties to Nigeria have been arrested on charges that include human trafficking, Oslo police said Wednesday.
OSLO, Norway: Eighteen people in a suspected prostitution network with ties to Nigeria have been arrested on charges that include human trafficking, Oslo police said Wednesday.
Police said 17 women and one man between the ages of 25 and 40 were arrested on Tuesday after a lengthy investigation.
"This action was part of the Oslo police district's efforts against organized human trafficking," said Oeyvind Nordgaren, of the police organized crime unit. "This is serious crime that takes advantage of people in a vulnerable situation, and it is very important for the police to uncover and act upon such cases."
He said 10 people face preliminary charges of human trafficking, one of pimping, and seven of illegally transferring large sums of money out of the country. Police said they would seek a court order on Friday to hold all or some of the suspects while they complete their investigation.
Police said they also brought in 48 other women, most Nigerians, for questioning on Tuesday. Twenty-two were released because their papers were in order, while 26 others remained in detention pending investigation of false or missing identity documents.
"If any of those in the second group express a desire to be witnesses, or want time to think it over, they will not be deported or be jailed," said Nordgaren.
Nordgaren said the network was first established in Oslo in 2004, and the police have been following it closely in recent years. Police now believe Nigerians are the largest group of foreign prostitutes in Oslo.