Police operation in the heart of Tetuán
On March 19, the National Police carried out an operation that resulted in the closure of a brothel known as The Eden of Anita, located on Hierbabuena Street, Madrid. This establishment had been operating as a centre for sexual exploitation since at least 2009, where women were treated as objects and offered to clients under a disturbing commercial system.
Investigations revealed that the victims were mainly foreign women from countries such as Paraguay, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. These women, aged between 20 and 40, were lured in vulnerable situations and kept in deplorable conditions within the premises. The rooms were overcrowded with bunk beds and limited personal space.
The advertising for the establishment was explicit and provocative. Social media ads offered services with enticing discounts: "Crystal girl of the day. 40 half an hour", reflecting a commercial logic that dehumanised the workers. Prices varied depending on the duration of the service, but promotions for birthdays or for bringing friends further incentivised exploitation.
Aside from being treated as merchandise, the women faced extreme working hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no breaks or consideration for their physical or mental health. The investigation also revealed that they were forced to consume drugs alongside clients during encounters, creating dependency and additional complications for these already vulnerable workers.
The intervention culminated in the arrest of five women involved in the management of the establishment, including a 61-year-old Brazilian woman considered the leader of the group. The detainees face serious charges of criminal organisation and coercive prostitution. During the raid, several electronic devices, cash, and documentation related to the illegal operations of the brothel were seized.
Despite the closure of this specific brothel, experts warn that the problem of human trafficking for sexual purposes remains alarmingly prevalent. The urgent need for effective policies to protect victims is more evident than ever.
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