The issue of women’s exploitation is once again under discussion in Spain after a high-profile incident in Valladolid. A case in which a victim managed to escape from an apartment where she was being held and forced into prostitution has raised new questions about the safety and protection of vulnerable groups. According to El Confidencial, police have detained one suspect while the search for another continues. This event highlights the acute need to combat such crimes across the country.
Escape and start of the investigation
A woman facing an extremely difficult situation managed to escape from a locked apartment in Valladolid where she was being held. She immediately contacted the police, reporting she had been forced into prostitution and threatened. The operation, codenamed ‘Erebus’, began after her statement. Law enforcement discovered that the victim was in Spain without documentation and had no means of support, making her especially vulnerable to criminals.
According to the victim, she got in touch through an acquaintance while looking for housing. Eventually, she was offered a room in exchange for half of her earnings from providing certain services. The conditions proved to be extremely harsh: the woman was not allowed to leave the apartment, and all the money was taken by the manager. Cameras had been installed inside, and the door was always locked. The only key was held by the supervisor, who monitored her every move.
Exploitation scheme
Shortly after moving in, the apartment owner came to the woman and demanded her passport, allegedly to formalize the rental. It was later revealed that the document was used as leverage: to get it back, the victim was told she had to pay 15,000 euros, which she was expected to earn by continuing to work under these conditions. All clients were managed by the administrator, who set the rates and kept all the proceeds. The victim received no payments despite multiple promises.
The police detained the apartment administrator, but soon released her on the condition that she appear in court. The apartment owner has not yet been found, and the investigation is ongoing. The operation is aimed at fully uncovering the scheme and bringing everyone involved to justice.
Control and intimidation
Strict rules were enforced in the apartment: the woman had to be available around the clock, was not allowed to go outside, and was under constant video surveillance. Any attempt to resist or ask for help was met with threats. According to El Confidencial, it was a chance event—a door left open for the next client—that allowed the victim to escape and seek help.
Police are now continuing to search for the second suspect and are gathering evidence to refer the case to court. Authorities emphasize that such cases require special attention, as victims often find themselves in desperate situations due to the lack of documents and support.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in cases of women being rescued from such schemes. Recently, police in Cádiz rescued four foreign women who were being held in similar conditions. In La Rioja, seven Brazilian women were freed, and in Madrid and other regions, new incidents are regularly uncovered. According to El Confidencial, perpetrators use various forms of coercion, such as confiscating documents, making threats, and creating financial debts. Authorities are stepping up oversight and developing new support measures for victims to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
