Warning: Contains disturbing content and graphic descriptions of sexual acts
A man running a sex ring operating out of Dubai's most glamorous neighbourhoods, and exploiting vulnerable women, has been identified by a BBC investigation.
Charles Mwesigwa, claiming to be a former London bus driver, informed undercover reporters that he could provide women for illicit parties at prices starting from $1,000 (£740). Many of these women, misled by the promise of legitimate employment, found themselves facing the grim realities of the sex trade.
Rumors of extravagant parties have long circulated, often linked to the viral hashtag #Dubaiportapotty. Yet, the truth unveiled by the BBC investigation reveals a far darker scenario: young Ugandan women arriving under false pretenses, only to be coerced into sex work.
Victims recounted harrowing experiences, with one woman named Mia revealing customers had extreme, degrading requests. Tragically, two women connected to Mwesigwa's network were reported to have died under suspicious circumstances, their cases marked as suicides despite doubts from their families.
Investigations traced Mwesigwa to Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle, where his opulent lifestyle contrasts sharply with the lives of the women he exploits. He spoke casually about his operations and the extreme fetishes demanded by clients.
The investigation also highlighted other victims, including Monic Karungi and Kayla Birungi, both Ugandan women who died after falling from high-rise buildings connected to Mwesigwa’s network. Allegations suggest police investigations into their deaths were inadequate, leaving families demanding justice.
The deeper issue lies within a flawed migration system, where economic hardships in Uganda lead many to seek work in the Gulf, often with dire consequences. Activists warn that current systems fail to protect these vulnerable individuals.
In a chilling statement, Mwesigwa claimed innocence, labeling allegations against him as false. Yet survivors and families of the deceased argue that these women are still trapped in a cycle of exploitation, crying out for intervention and justice.
A man running a sex ring operating out of Dubai's most glamorous neighbourhoods, and exploiting vulnerable women, has been identified by a BBC investigation.
Charles Mwesigwa, claiming to be a former London bus driver, informed undercover reporters that he could provide women for illicit parties at prices starting from $1,000 (£740). Many of these women, misled by the promise of legitimate employment, found themselves facing the grim realities of the sex trade.
Rumors of extravagant parties have long circulated, often linked to the viral hashtag #Dubaiportapotty. Yet, the truth unveiled by the BBC investigation reveals a far darker scenario: young Ugandan women arriving under false pretenses, only to be coerced into sex work.
Victims recounted harrowing experiences, with one woman named Mia revealing customers had extreme, degrading requests. Tragically, two women connected to Mwesigwa's network were reported to have died under suspicious circumstances, their cases marked as suicides despite doubts from their families.
Investigations traced Mwesigwa to Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle, where his opulent lifestyle contrasts sharply with the lives of the women he exploits. He spoke casually about his operations and the extreme fetishes demanded by clients.
The investigation also highlighted other victims, including Monic Karungi and Kayla Birungi, both Ugandan women who died after falling from high-rise buildings connected to Mwesigwa’s network. Allegations suggest police investigations into their deaths were inadequate, leaving families demanding justice.
The deeper issue lies within a flawed migration system, where economic hardships in Uganda lead many to seek work in the Gulf, often with dire consequences. Activists warn that current systems fail to protect these vulnerable individuals.
In a chilling statement, Mwesigwa claimed innocence, labeling allegations against him as false. Yet survivors and families of the deceased argue that these women are still trapped in a cycle of exploitation, crying out for intervention and justice.
