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STOCKHOLM — A man in northern Sweden is suspected of exploiting his wife and selling sex with her to at least 120 men, the prosecutor in charge of the case told The Associated Press on Monday.
The man has been in custody since October, after the woman reported the incidents to police, and investigators have been preparing criminal charges of aggravated procurement. Investigators believe the husband ruthlessly exploited his wife on a large scale, prosecutor Ida Annerstedt said.
Prosecutors spoke publicly on Monday for the first time about the total number of men believed to be involved. They have not identified the couple. The man, who is in his 60s, has denied any wrongdoing.
Annerstedt declined to discuss coercion in the case or comment on whether the wife was drugged during the sex.
Swedish law criminalizes buying sex and procuring it, but does not criminalize the selling of sex by sex workers, who are considered exploited victims. If the husband is convicted of aggravated procuring, he could face a prison sentence of two to 10 years.
Two men believed to have purchased sex with the woman have been charged and more suspects likely will be charged, the prosecutor said. They face up to a year in prison if convicted. The purchase of sexual services without physical contact, via the internet, is also criminalized in Sweden.
Annerstedt said the indictment against the husband will be brought on March 13, with the trial expected to start soon after.
The Associated Press
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
- The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
- The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7)
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7)
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7)
- Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
- Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648
- Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.
