Nagpur Woman Sold For Prostitution In Portugal After Job Promise

A 28-year-old woman from Nagpur has alleged that she was trafficked to Portugal and sold to a beer shop owner for prostitution after being promised a well-paying supermarket job abroad by a placement firm operating from Phoenix Marketcity in Viman Nagar, Pune.

The woman, who managed to escape and return to India, has now approached the Pune Police and lodged a complaint with the Viman Nagar Police Station. Police have registered a case against seven persons, including four allegedly based in Pune and three in Portugal.

The accused have been identified as Pratima Bhati, Amit Kumar Jha, Azhar Sheikh and Kapil Mishra, all residents of Pune, along with Vamsi, Chaitanya and Himmat Singh, all reportedly residing in Portugal. According to the police, the alleged offences took place between December 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026 at an office identified as UG-5 at Phoenix Marketcity, East Court, Clover Park, Viman Nagar, and at various locations in Portugal.

The complainant had been searching for employment opportunities on Instagram when she came across a video posted on the Instagram page of a company called We Migrate. The video reportedly showed people celebrating after obtaining foreign visas. After contacting the company, she was called to Pune, where she allegedly met Pratima Bhati, Azhar Sheikh and Kapil Mishra.

Bhati allegedly told her that the company had sent candidates to countries including the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Denmark and Poland for jobs such as chocolate factory workers, supermarket cashiers and accountants. She was allegedly promised a monthly salary of around ₹1.5 lakh, an eight-hour workday, two weekly holidays and a three-year work permit.

The woman was told that the total cost of securing the overseas job would be ₹11 lakh. She subsequently paid the amount in instalments, according to her complaint. On March 24, 2026, she was allegedly called to the Pune office on the pretext of celebrating her successful overseas job placement. She was made to sign job-related documents but was not provided copies of them, she alleged.

She eventually travelled from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi and then to Madrid, Spain, arriving there on May 21. She was allegedly told that a man named Vamsi would pick her up. According to the complaint, Vamsi deliberately delayed picking her up, causing her to miss the bus to Portugal. She eventually reached Portugal around midnight on another bus.

Chaitanya, reportedly a friend of Vamsi, picked her up and took her to the house of Himmat Singh, where her passport was allegedly taken away. She claimed she was confined to a room for two days and was released only after paying ₹40,000. The woman's allegations highlight the dangers of human trafficking and the need for caution when seeking employment opportunities abroad.

The case is a reminder that human trafficking can happen to anyone, and it is essential to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions. The Pune Police have registered a case against the accused and are investigating the matter. The woman's bravery in coming forward and reporting the incident is commendable, and it is hoped that justice will be served.

The incident also raises questions about the role of social media in human trafficking. The woman came across the job opportunity on Instagram, which highlights the need for social media platforms to be more vigilant in preventing such scams. The case is a complex one, involving multiple countries and accused individuals, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.

In conclusion, the case of the Nagpur woman who was sold for prostitution in Portugal after being promised a job is a shocking and disturbing one. It highlights the dangers of human trafficking and the need for caution when seeking employment opportunities abroad. The Pune Police are investigating the matter, and it is hoped that justice will be served.