DUSHANBE , January 12, Asia-Plus - Prosecutor’s office in northern province of Sughd has instituted criminal proceedings against a couple in Khujand, who were allegedly involved in trafficking local young women to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Asia-Plus has learned from the source in the Tajik chief prosecutor’s office. 

They face charges under Article 132, Part 3 of the Criminal Code – recruiting persons for the purpose of exploitation, the source said, adding that their names are not disclosed in the interest of the investigation.    

According to the source, the pair promised two women from Khujand, whose names are disclosed at their request, jobs in the UAE, but the women they recruited were actually intended for UAE brothels.  The man named as Ilhom told them that his wife and he himself had prestigious jobs and earned good money.  He promised them jobs in the city of Sharja . 

The women were tempted by his promises and left for the UAE in June 2002.  In the Sharja airport they were met by a woman, who introduced herself as Munira.  She took their travel documents and forced them to be engaged in prostitution.  The women managed to return home only in December 2005 and lodge application against the pair to the Sughd prosecutor’s office.  Investigation is under way.