A trial is currently underway for Achraf Arjaouy, a 31-year-old Italian national, accused of deceiving a Singaporean woman into engaging in sex work in Dubai under the pretense that they could marry in Qatar. The proceedings have revealed a troubling narrative of manipulation and exploitation.
The Deceptive Allure
Arjaouy arrived in Singapore in March 2021 and met the woman—who remains anonymous due to a gag order—via the dating app Tinder a month later. The court heard that he painted a romantic image of himself as the son of a wealthy Qatari family and a Qatar Airways pilot, convincing her of a future together.
Journey to Dubai
- The couple flew to Dubai on 21 April 2021, ostensibly en route to Qatar.
- Upon their arrival, Arjaouy told her she needed to display US$10,000 as proof of funds to enter Qatar.
- He allegedly subjected the woman to physical and psychological abuse, threatening her with violence.
The Shift to Exploitation
In the prosecution’s opening statements, they bolded that when it became clear the woman was seeking a genuine relationship, Arjaouy controlled and deceived her. He eventually suggested that the only way she could raise the necessary funds was by engaging in sex work, an idea she initially found repulsive. Despite her discomfort, overwhelmed by his coercion, she eventually complied.
The Aftermath
Between May and September 2021, the woman stopped working in the sex industry after contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Throughout this harrowing period, messages show that she confronted Arjaouy about her experiences, receiving responses that evaded accountability for his actions.
Legal Consequences Await
If found guilty of recruiting a person by deception for sexual exploitation, Arjaouy could face a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to S$100,000, and even corporal punishment in the form of caning.
The trial is still ongoing, with further testimonies expected as the court proceedings continue to unfold.