Paphos man remanded on suspicion of forcing girl of 16 into prostitution

A 22-YEAR-old Paphos man was yesterday remanded in custody for eight days after his 16-year-old girlfriend told police he had forced her into prostitution, using the money to feed his drug habit.

After months of threats from her boyfriend, the teenage girl on Sunday finally plucked up the courage and went to the police. She told them that the man would supply her with cannabis and ecstasy tablets to keep her quiet, and would then make her have sex with men for money.

Police visited the 22-year-old at his home on Sunday night. They found 11 cannabis plants and arrested him. During questioning, he admitted to possessing cannabis, but denied his girlfriend’s accusations that he had forced her to solicit sex.

A second man was also arrested yesterday in connection with the case. He is a 47-year-old resident of Paphos, who owns a bar. He too denied any involvement in forcing the girl into prostitution.

Both men were yesterday taken to Paphos District Court, where an eight-day remand was issued for the 22-year-old. The older man is expected to be released today.
Police are continuing their investigations.

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