Two Illegal Brothels Busted in Austria; Two Balkan Women Arrested, Oldest Pimp is 80

Austrian authorities have cracked down on a prostitution ring in Innsbruck, uncovering two massage parlors that were allegedly operating as illegal brothels. The operation, which followed a months-long investigation by the Tyrolean criminal police, has led to five individuals being placed under investigation.

The investigation suggests that the suspects were involved in bringing women from abroad into Innsbruck to engage in prostitution, generating significant profits. According to a statement from the Tyrolean State Criminal Police Office (LKA Tirol), two Bulgarian women, aged 42 and 48, are suspected of managing one of the establishments and organizing the arrival of foreign women. They are also accused of taking a substantial portion of the earnings from the sex workers.

Further complicating the case, an 80-year-old Austrian man and a 65-year-old Spanish man are under suspicion for their roles in recruiting women abroad and managing their work in the illegal brothels. A 75-year-old Austrian woman is also being investigated for allegedly exploiting women by taking a large share of their prostitution income from a separate establishment.

During a coordinated action involving multiple law enforcement agencies, searches were conducted at various locations, yielding evidence that supports the criminal allegations. A total of twelve women, aged 25 to 55 and originating from Africa, South America, and Europe, were identified. Some have been reported for illegal prostitution, while others are being questioned as potential victims of trafficking and exploitation. The investigation into the five suspects for pimping is ongoing, with one brothel closed and the other under increased surveillance.