Italian Man Faces Trial for Alleged Human Trafficking in Singapore

A trial has commenced in Singapore involving Achraf Arjaouy, an Italian man accused of human trafficking. The prosecution alleges that he deceived a Singaporean woman into believing they were in a romantic relationship, only to exploit her for sexual services in Dubai. This case highlights the serious issues surrounding human trafficking and the risks associated with online dating.

The woman, who remains unnamed due to a court gag order, met Arjaouy through the dating app Tinder in April 2021. Initially drawn in by his charm and claims of wealth, she agreed to travel with him to Qatar via Dubai, believing he intended to marry her. However, upon arrival in Dubai, she was reportedly informed that she needed to show proof of funds amounting to US$10,000 to enter Qatar—a requirement Arjaouy allegedly knew she could not meet.

According to the prosecution, Arjaouy created a facade of a romantic relationship, presenting himself as a wealthy member of a Qatari family and a pilot for Qatar Airways. The court was informed that once he recognized the woman was seeking a serious commitment, he manipulated her emotions to secure her compliance. He threatened to end their relationship if she refused to accompany him to Dubai.

During their stay in Dubai, which began on April 21, 2021, the couple initially checked into the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates before moving to a serviced apartment at the Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Residences. The prosecution claims that once in Dubai, Arjaouy subjected the woman to physical and psychological abuse, ultimately coercing her into sex work to generate the funds he falsely claimed were necessary for their marriage.

The prosecution detailed how Arjaouy allegedly arranged for the woman to engage in sexual services, taking intimate photographs, creating online profiles, and soliciting clients. She was reportedly forced to hand over her earnings to him daily. The situation escalated, leading to her contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in mid-September 2021, which prompted her to cease sex work.

The woman’s ordeal came to light when she reached out to her mother for help in April 2021, shortly after arriving in Dubai. She requested a transfer of US$10,000 to meet Arjaouy’s demands, indicating the extent of her distress. After returning to Singapore in November 2021, she and her mother filed a police report, prompting the current legal proceedings.

Arjaouy was arrested in Singapore in November 2023 for an unrelated offense. His trial under the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act includes a charge of recruiting a person by deception for sexual exploitation, which carries severe penalties—including up to ten years in prison and significant fines.

During the trial, Arjaouy took the stand and faced questions regarding his interactions with the woman. He claimed a lack of understanding of her messages, which included accusations of forcing her into sex work. The defense argued that Arjaouy had been seeking assistance from the woman and expressed a desire to marry her, despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.

The case continues to unfold as the court examines the evidence, including chat logs and testimonies that reveal the extent of the alleged manipulation and exploitation. The outcome of this trial may have broader implications for awareness and prevention of human trafficking, especially in the context of online relationships.

As the trial progresses, the legal system is confronted with the challenging dynamics of deception, coercion, and the vulnerabilities exploited within romantic engagements in the digital age.