Two Thai women received prison sentences Monday for human trafficking and operating brothels in Denmark. They recruited 25 women for prostitution, with some victims subjected to trafficking.
The Court in Kolding delivered the verdict. Jutharat Jarndee, 40, received three years and six months in prison with deportation and a six-year entry ban. Tikamporn Maisri Hansen, 48, received four years in prison with permanent deportation from Denmark.
The court convicted both women of human trafficking involving five victims. The criminal operation ran from October 2023 through December 2024.
Authorities said the Thai women were picked up at the airport upon arriving in Denmark. They were then housed at addresses in Horsens and Fredericia, towns in eastern Jutland.
According to court documents, the women ran brothels from these locations under degrading conditions. The buildings contained mold and other poor living circumstances.
The convicted women controlled the victims' meals, work hours, freedom of movement, and earnings. Police described how the women worked from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day of the week. They had no choice about which sexual services to provide clients.
Prosecutors had argued six women were trafficking victims, but the court found guilt in five cases. Both defendants had previously admitted to prostitution charges but denied human trafficking allegations.
The court found the women's testimony unreliable. Judges determined Tikamporn Maisri Hansen played a key role in the prostitution network.
A judge referenced audio recordings showing Hansen spoke about "our clinic" and gave instructions about removing online advertisements. She also helped transport women who, in the judge's words, "had to sell pussy and fuck."
The court confiscated 500,000 Danish kroner from each woman, ruling the money represented criminal profits. Both women have appealed Monday's verdict.
Police arrested the defendants on December 10 last year following an extended investigation by a specialized immigration control unit. They have remained in custody since their arrest.
A deputy police inspector called the case important from a societal perspective. He said the investigation provided experience with methods that would benefit future trafficking cases.
This case reveals the grim reality of human trafficking operations in Europe, where vulnerable migrants often face exploitation under the guise of employment opportunities.