Bernese cantonal police have concluded a major investigation into human trafficking and forced prostitution, revealing a network that exploited over forty young men. The case highlights a growing, yet often hidden, phenomenon of male victims in forced sex work across Switzerland.
Key Takeaways
- Over 40 young men were victims of forced prostitution in Bern.
- A 34-year-old Slovak national is accused of running the operation since 2016.
- Victims, primarily from Spain, Brazil, and Colombia, faced systematic exploitation.
- Authorities believe the true number of victims could be much higher.
- Male forced prostitution is an emerging and under-researched issue in Switzerland.
- Victims' shame and debt often prevent them from seeking help.
Investigation Reveals Extensive Exploitation Ring
At the end of October, Bernese cantonal police announced the completion of their investigation into a significant case of human trafficking. The accused is a 34-year-old Slovak national. Police arrested the man in January 2025 at his Bern residence, where he has remained in pre-trial detention.
The suspect allegedly operated a forced prostitution business since 2016. Victims include young men born between 1997 and 2004. These individuals come from various countries, including Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Czech Republic.
Police identified forty victims of different nationalities during the investigation. Fourteen of these victims have been positively identified. During the arrest, police encountered and interviewed three male sex workers directly involved in the operation. Authorities suspect the total number of victims is considerably higher.
Case Details at a Glance
- Accused: 34-year-old Slovak national
- Operation Duration: Since 2016
- Identified Victims: 14 (out of 40 investigated)
- Victim Demographics: Young men, primarily 19-28 years old, from various countries.
- Location: Suspect's apartment in Bern
Systematic Control and Financial Exploitation
The accused reportedly coerced young men from abroad into prostitution. He stands accused of running a sex business from his Bern apartment, catering exclusively to male clients. Some victims were recruited through third parties, while others were contacted directly by the suspect.
According to police, the 34-year-old specifically sought men who matched his preferences in terms of appearance, age, and weight. He allegedly dictated the nature and extent of their sex work. Victims were forced to surrender half of their earnings to him.
Upon arrival in Switzerland, the victims were housed in the suspect's own apartment. He then arranged clients for them. Except for interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, he continuously employed two to four men in his apartment. Authorities have not disclosed how clients were sourced, though such operations often utilize specific websites.
"Further information on the person and the victims cannot be provided at this time," said Christof Scheurer from the Bern Public Prosecutor's Office.
Scheurer noted that human trafficking increasingly affects men as well as women in the sex trade. However, this specific type of case involving male forced prostitution is the first of its kind to be uncovered in the Canton of Bern.
Understanding Human Trafficking
Human trafficking, often called 'modern slavery,' involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Perpetrators exploit vulnerability and desperation, often promising false opportunities to lure victims. The primary motivation for traffickers is greed.
Male Forced Prostitution: A Hidden Crisis
Stephan Fuchs, co-director of the victim protection organization Victras, views the Bern case as a significant indicator of a developing trend. "It is a new phenomenon in Switzerland that men are forced into prostitution and that this becomes known," Fuchs stated. Previously, forced prostitution involving men was rarely discussed.
Fuchs recalled a past case where a gay man was lured to Switzerland using the "loverboy" method and forced into prostitution. This method involves perpetrators building an emotional relationship over weeks or months before coercing the victim into sex work. Another case involved a man recruited in Budapest for kitchen work in Switzerland, only to be forced into sex work upon arrival.
Research into male forced prostitution is scarce. "Almost nothing is known about it," Fuchs explained. While the sexual exploitation of women receives significant societal attention and frequent legal proceedings, the issue for men remains largely unexplored. The Bern case, with over forty victims, suggests a high number of unreported cases.
Shame and Debt Prevent Victims from Seeking Help
A major obstacle to uncovering these crimes is the profound shame experienced by victims. "Men who end up in forced prostitution are so ashamed that they don't want to seek any help at all," said Stephan Fuchs. Men often struggle with being seen as victims, creating a significant internal barrier to reaching out for support.
Alexander Ott, head of the Bern City Foreigners Police and a leading expert on human trafficking in Switzerland, explained that investigations into traffickers often take years. This delay is largely because victims are often unwilling or unable to testify. They frequently live in debt bondage, having incurred costs for their journey to Switzerland that they feel compelled to repay.
Victims often do not know they will be forced into prostitution before they travel. Their lack of cooperation with authorities makes prosecution challenging. Traffickers operate in secrecy, instructing their exploited workers to remain invisible, which further hinders law enforcement efforts.
How Authorities Combat Human Trafficking
Authorities uncover these crimes in various ways. Ott noted that tips often come from external sources, such as neighbors or acquaintances of victims. In Bern, police employ "joint controls," where multiple organizations, including non-governmental organizations, conduct interdisciplinary inspections.
To assist these vulnerable individuals, police and relevant organizations provide protective measures. Victims are placed in safe houses where they undergo an initial stabilization phase. They are often traumatized and lack trust in authorities. "Gaining this trust is the first step in showing them their options," Alexander Ott emphasized.
The driving force behind human trafficking is often poverty. Traffickers exploit the helplessness and destitution of individuals. Lelia Hunziker from the Human Trafficking Specialist Unit highlighted that sexual exploitation does not discriminate by gender, although the locations of exploitation may differ based on gender-specific industry variations. Most victims are recruited through false pretenses, exploiting their vulnerability and poverty.
The Human Trafficking Specialist Unit provides specialized victim assistance across all sectors, operating eight shelters. Last year, they reported eight male victims, an increase from two the previous year, indicating a growing recognition of this issue.