In Odesa, a woman was convicted of recruiting Ukrainian women for sexual exploitation in Norway

A woman from the Kherson region was found guilty in Odesa of recruiting Ukrainian women under the pretext of offering them work abroad for the purpose of sexual exploitation. According to the investigation, she sought out women in difficult financial circumstances, promised them high earnings, and coordinated their travel to Norway. 

The Primorsky District Court of Odesa handed down the ruling. 

According to the investigation, in March–April 2026, the woman used her contacts and Telegram to seek out Ukrainian women who were looking for work abroad. They were promised high earnings. In reality, the arrangement involved providing sexual services. Under the agreement, the women were to receive 70% of their earnings, while the organizer would receive 30%.

The first victim was a woman who, due to financial difficulties, was looking for work abroad. In April, she received a job offer. In May, the organizer met with her in Odesa, purchased plane tickets for the route Chisinau–Copenhagen–Stavanger, and upon arrival coordinated her activities via WhatsApp, finding clients for her.

After the victim returned, the organizer demanded $900 from her. On July 16, the woman handed over the money in Peremoha Park in Odesa, after which she was detained by law enforcement officers.

The second woman was also recruited via Telegram, with similar terms offered. She was in a difficult financial situation and had outstanding debts. They did not manage to send her abroad due to the defendant’s arrest.

In court, the woman fully admitted her guilt and expressed remorse. The court found her guilty of two counts of recruitment for sexual exploitation, one of which was classified as a repeat offense.

The final sentence was five years; however, taking into account her remorse, lack of prior convictions, cooperation with the investigation, young age, and disability, the judge suspended her sentence for three years on probation. The judge also ordered the special forfeiture of her phones, laptop, and a portion of the seized funds.

In addition, an organized network providing sexual services and engaging in human trafficking operated in Mykolaiv for nearly a year. The scheme was disguised as a legitimate employment agency. 

Анна Літман