Mumbai, July 15: A Brazilian Instagram influencer, Kat Torres, was   sentenced to eight years of jail for allegedly using women for slavery and forcing them into sex work. Kat Torres was exposed during an FBI investigation into two women were missing since 2022. It later emerged that they were living with Torres. The FBI investigation has revealed horrifying details about the mistreatment meted upon the two victims.

Torres had hired two women who moved in with her in Texas. According to the BBC, Torres allegedly performed "witchcraft" on one of them and forced her into working at a local strip club. There were strict rules laid down by Torres, including not talking to each other. Later, Torres also forced her into prostitution. The matter came to light after friends and family of the two victims launched social media campaigns to find the missing women. US Human Trafficking Case: 15 Women Found Living at Princeton House With No Furniture, Indian Couple Among 4 Arrested for Running Forced Labour Scheme.

To evade media attention, Torres moved them from Texas to Maine, forcing them to post videos denying their captivity. Over 20 women have since come forward with similar stories of exploitation by Torres, many of whom are still undergoing psychiatric therapy to recover from their traumatic experiences.

Prior to their hiring, another woman was working for Torres as her live-in assistant. Speaking to the BBC, she said that Torres resembled hope for her. She was impressed by her powerful story of overcoming abuse in childhood. The victim informed the BBC that she had moved to New York to work with Torres as her live-in assistant.

Torres hired her to look after her animals, cook for her, do her laundry, and clean for USD 2000 a month. On reaching New York, the victim found the house in a disturbing condition. She was forced to sleep on a sofa covered with cat urine. She was asked to be available 24/7. She finally escaped. Torres then hired two more women who moved in with her in Texas. US Cop Allegedly Sends Sex-Related Messages to Married Woman While on Duty, Faces Enquiry. 

Who Is Kat Torres?

Kat Torres is a former Brazillian model and a US-based Instagram influencer. Toress recently published her autobiography, claiming she had some spiritual powers and could make predictions. The influencer is also rumoured to be dating Leonardo Di Caprio after she was spotted partying with him. She also produced self-help videos on relationships, wellness, and business success, including hypnosis, meditation, and exercise programs. Additionally, she offered one-on-one video consultations for USD 150, promising to solve "any of their problems."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2024 05:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).