NextFin news, On Sunday, the BBC World Service published an investigation exposing Charles Mwesigwa, also known locally as Abbey, as the alleged operator of a sex-trafficking ring exploiting vulnerable Ugandan women in Dubai's affluent neighbourhoods, including Jumeirah Village Circle and Al Barsha.
Mwesigwa, who claims to be a former London bus driver, was recorded by an undercover BBC reporter offering women for sex parties starting at $1,000 (£740) per night, stating many could perform "pretty much everything" clients requested. He denied allegations of coercion, asserting he only helps women find accommodation and that they attend parties voluntarily due to his wealthy contacts.
The investigation revealed that many young Ugandan women were lured to Dubai under false pretenses of legitimate employment in supermarkets or hotels but were forced into sex work to repay inflated debts for travel, visas, and living expenses. One woman, identified as "Mia" to protect her identity, described being trapped in the network and subjected to extreme sexual fetishes, including clients defecating on women and demanding they consume feces.
Two women linked to Mwesigwa's network, Monic Karungi and Kayla Birungi, died after falling from high-rise apartments in Dubai in 2022. Their deaths were officially ruled suicides, but family and friends have questioned the thoroughness of police investigations. Monic's relative, Michael, reported that police ceased inquiries after finding drugs and alcohol at the scene, despite no toxicology reports being made available. The Dubai police did not respond to requests for comment on these cases.
Former network member Troy, who acted as operations manager, told the BBC that Mwesigwa paid off nightclub security to allow his women to find clients and that the women had no escape routes. He also alleged that Mwesigwa used others' names to rent cars and apartments to avoid detection.
The investigation also highlighted the racialized nature of the abuse, with some clients reportedly targeting black women for particularly degrading acts. Another survivor, "Lexi," recounted attempts to seek help from Dubai police, who allegedly dismissed her pleas, stating, "You Africans cause problems for each other. We don't want to get involved."
The BBC's findings come amid widespread online rumors and viral social media hashtags such as #DubaiPortaPotty, which have garnered over 450 million views on TikTok, linking to parodies and exposés of women accused of engaging in extreme sexual acts to fund lavish lifestyles. The investigation reveals a far darker reality behind these rumors.
Charles Mwesigwa was located in a middle-class Dubai neighbourhood through a combination of open-source intelligence and undercover reporting. He appeared calm and confident during the BBC's undercover operation, inviting the reporter to a "sample night" and confirming his past occupation as a London bus driver.
The BBC contacted Dubai police for comment on the allegations and investigations but received no response. The investigation underscores ongoing concerns about the exploitation of migrant women in the UAE and the challenges in securing justice for victims.
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