Notorious trafficker jailed 22 years in United Kingdom

A notorious female trafficker, Franca Asemota, who threatened to use “juju magic” against the women and children she helped to traffic into Europe for forced prostitution, has been sentenced to 22 years imprisonment in London.

Franca Asemota, 38, was convicted on Wednesday at Isleworth Crown Court of eight counts of conspiracy to traffic persons for sexual exploitation, two counts of trafficking persons outside of the UK for sexual exploitation and two counts of assisting unlawful immigration.

Asemota was part of a criminal network that trafficked girls, boys and women from Nigeria to Europe, using the threat of “juju magic” to guarantee their compliance.

David Davies, London reviewing lawyer, said: “This case demonstrates how the CPS will work with partners, in the UK and overseas, in order to tackle the trafficking gangs who make huge profits from human misery.

“Franca played a key role in exploiting the poverty and vulnerability of her victims with the aim of forcing them into prostitution to make money for criminals.

“These girls were from poor, rural backgrounds with little education or knowledge of the world. They were targeted because of this and promised legitimate jobs in Europe. Only when they were far away from their homes were they told the truth – that they would have to work as prostitutes.

“The traffickers used alleged juju magic to exert complete control over their victims, using rituals to ‘curse’ them and ensure their compliance. The girls were told that if they disobeyed their captors or tried to escape, the curse would cause them injury, infertility or even death.

“Although only five victims have been identified, the evidence showed that she facilitated the trafficking of around 40 people, mainly young girls, between August 2011 and May 2012,” he said.