Spain Dismantles Male Hustler Gang

Spanish police have broken up a human-trafficking gang that brought men to the country to work as prostitutes, providing them with Viagra and other drugs and forcing them to be available for sex with other men, 24 hours a day.

Authorities arrested 14 people, mainly Brazilians, on suspicion of running the organization and another 17 prostitutes for being in Spain illegally. According to the Associated Press, this is the first time Spanish authorities have broken up a ring in which traffickers brought in men, rather than woman, to work as prostitutes.

Between 60 and 80 workers, mostly in their 20s, were brought in from Brazil and working off the nearly $5,000 fee it cost to bring them to Spain. Some of the men were told they’d be working legitimate jobs as go-go dancers or models; others reportedly knew they’d be working as prostitutes but were unaware of the round-the-clock hours.

The men were required to pay half their salary toward repaying their debt, in addition to paying for food and rent.

"If the men complained or caused any kind of problem, the gang leaders would threaten them, even with death," the police statement said.

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