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, a self-identified former London bus driver, was uncovered in an investigation where an undercover reporter posed as an event planner searching for women for high-end parties. Mwesigwa offered women for a starting price of $1,000 (£740), claiming they were open-minded and could fulfill various client desires.
For years, rumors surrounding extravagant sex parties in Dubai have circulated widely, fueled by viral social media trends like #Dubaiportapotty. However, the reality of the exploitation is far darker than parodied perceptions. Many Ugandan women transported to Dubai under the assumption they would find legitimate employment in sectors such as hospitality found themselves entangled in a ring of sexual servitude.
Victims revealed the harsh realities they faced, including extreme physical fetishes from clients, some reportedly resulting in horrific and degrading acts. One woman, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, describes being regularly subjected to dehumanizing treatment, which included being instructed to eat feces.
Additionally, there are disturbing accounts of two women connected to Mwesigwa having died after falls from high-rise buildings. Their deaths – labeled as suicides – have raised alarms among friends and family who believe investigations should have been deeper.
Testimonies highlight a cycle of debt and violence; women were often coerced into sex work under threats, with debts rapidly accumulating for supposed living expenses and travel costs. Despite these claims, Mwesigwa maintains his operations are legitimate and denies the sexual exploitation, stating he merely helps women coordinate parties through his connections.
Amidst the backdrop of these gruesome revelations, advocacy groups have sprung forward to support women caught in similarly exploitative circumstances, flagging the inherent risks of labor migration from Uganda to the Gulf regions.
The investigative reports compiled by BBC's Eye Investigations detail the horrors faced by these vulnerable women, pointing to a pervasive network operating within the city's opulent high-rises, designed to conceal the shady dealings taking place beneath Dubai's glittering facade.
