Israeli Authorities Break Up Human Trafficking Ring Targeting Women Near Haifa

Israeli prosecutors filed charges on Friday against a man and a woman from the Haifa area accused of running a human trafficking network exploiting women. According to the indictment, the suspects and several others arrested last month used social media to lure young women, including those with disabilities or facing mental and financial hardships, by offering them office jobs. After providing the women with housing and apparent salaries, the traffickers revealed their identities online, pressured them, and forced them to provide sexual services in rented apartments. The investigation began covertly in June of the previous year and became public following the arrests. The suspects face serious charges including human trafficking, aggravated pimping, and extortion by threats.