A eight-year prison sentence[/B] was imposed by the Limassol Criminal Court on a 52-year-old man, who was found guilty of the offences of trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, money laundering from illegal activities and living off the proceeds of prostitution.
The judgment of the court:
Sentence of 8 years' imprisonment on the charge of trafficking in persons, sentence of 8 years' imprisonment on the charge of sexual exploitation of an adult, 4 years imprisonment on the charge of money laundering from illegal activities and 2 years imprisonment on the charge of living off the proceeds of prostitution, was recently imposed by the Limassol Permanent Criminal Court on an accused person, who was found guilty of committing the above offences. The prison sentences are concurrent.
This is one of the longest sentences imposed since 2014 for offences of this nature, with the Court noting in its decision that the accused, in order to take advantage of the complainant, used her vulnerable position and her need for money to his advantage. Accordingly, the Court, taking into account the nature and seriousness of the defendant's criminal conduct and given the need for deterrence, since, as, inter alia, it notes "trafficking offences have reached alarming proportions in our country as well", imposed on the defendant the sentences of several years' imprisonment as the only appropriate penalties.
Characteristically, the Court further states in its judgment that "trafficking in persons constitutes a heinous form of violation of fundamental human rights that undermines human dignity. It has unfortunately assumed international dimensions and is considered one of the most serious offences committed in the context of organised crime."
And this is no coincidence. Securing huge profits channelled into international organised crime networks is undoubtedly the driving force behind the emergence and rapid spread of this phenomenon, with the perpetrators essentially exploiting the vulnerability of the victim, whether this relates to their economic impoverishment or their low educational or intellectual level and, more generally, their desperation."
The hearing was held in camera. On behalf of the Attorney General of the Republic, the case was handled by Ms Marina Masoura, Lawyer of the Republic.
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