A 28-year-old woman from Nagpur has alleged she was trafficked to Portugal and sold for sexual exploitation after being defrauded of ₹11 lakh by a Pune-based recruitment agency.

Key Takeaways

  • A Pune-based agency defrauded a woman of ₹11 lakh promising a job in Portugal.
  • The victim was allegedly sold to a beer shop owner for sexual exploitation.
  • Pune Police have booked seven accused across India and Portugal.
  • The scam was initiated through an Instagram consultancy page.

In a harrowing case of international human trafficking, the Pune Police have registered an FIR against seven individuals following allegations from a 28-year-old woman from Nagpur. The victim claims she was promised a lucrative supermarket job in Portugal but was instead sold to a local business owner for sexual exploitation after paying ₹11 lakh to a recruitment agency.

The victim stated she discovered the consultancy, 'We Migrate,' via Instagram in December 2025. The agency, operating out of Phoenix Marketcity in Pune, allegedly lured her with the promise of a cashier position paying ₹1.5 lakh per month. After paying the demanded amount in installments, she was flown to Europe via Abu Dhabi and Madrid.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the rise of digital recruitment scams on platforms like Instagram is creating a massive vulnerability for job seekers. This case highlights a sophisticated nexus between local recruitment agencies in India and criminal elements abroad, turning employment promises into organized human trafficking operations.

The seizure of a victim's passport immediately upon arrival in a foreign country is a classic hallmark of human trafficking syndicates.

Upon arriving in Portugal, the victim's passport was confiscated, and she was confined to a room. She alleged that she was eventually forced to work at a beer shop owned by an individual who claimed he had 'purchased' her from the agents. The victim managed a daring escape via Lisbon and Madrid, eventually flying back to India through Doha.

Historical Background

Human trafficking under the guise of overseas employment has been a growing global concern. Criminal networks often use 'bait jobs'—high-paying, low-skill roles—to lure vulnerable individuals into debt bondage and exploitation in foreign territories.

Did You Know?: Trafficking syndicates often use legitimate-looking corporate offices in major cities to build a false sense of security.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are the accused in this case?
The FIR names four individuals in Pune and three individuals allegedly based in Portugal.

2. How did the victim escape?
The victim escaped the house on June 29, traveled through Lisbon and Madrid, and flew back to India via Doha.