18-Year-Old Reports Forced Prostitution Case in Vienna

In Vienna, police are investigating a case in which an 18-year-old woman reported that she had been forced into prostitution.

According to investigators, the woman was brought from Romania to Austria about one year ago by a 33-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man. She was promised a job as a babysitter or au pair with a monthly payment of around €500.

After arriving in Vienna, she stated that the 49-year-old man sexually assaulted her and later forced her to provide sexual services. At first, she was allegedly sent to private apartments. After turning 18, she was required to work in a brothel. According to her statement, all income was taken by the suspect. Investigators estimate that up to €4,000 per month may have been generated.

She asked a brothel operator for help

The case became known after the woman asked a brothel operator in Vienna’s Donaustadt district for help. The operator contacted the police. The 49-year-old suspect was arrested in Vienna-Simmering and taken into custody. He denies the allegations.

A 33-year-old woman is also under investigation in connection with the case but remains free. Authorities are continuing the investigation into suspected forced prostitution and related offenses. The presumption of innocence applies.