Swedish authorities have arrested a man on suspicion of sexually exploiting his wife and forcing her into prostitution, with investigators saying the woman was forced to have sex with more than 120 men, supervising prosecutor Ida Anerstedt told The Associated Press, BTA reported.
The suspect has been in custody since October, when the woman reported her husband's actions to law enforcement. Investigators are currently preparing charges of pimping under aggravating circumstances. Investigators believe the man, who lived in northern Sweden, subjected his wife to brutal exploitation, Anerstedt said.
Prosecutors spoke publicly for the first time today about the total number of people believed to be involved in the crimes. No details were released about the identity of the suspect and his victim. The man, who is in his 60s, has denied any wrongdoing.
Anerstedt declined to comment on the ways in which the suspect forced his victim into prostitution and did not answer the question of whether the woman was drugged during the sexual acts.
Sweden's penal code provides penalties for pimping, as well as for paying for sexual services. However, the persons who provide such services are not subject to punishment because they are considered victims of exploitation.
The husband of a woman forced into prostitution can receive a prison sentence of between two and ten years. Two alleged clients have been charged so far, and more defendants are likely to be brought forward. The penalty for this crime is up to one year in prison.
Anerstet noted that the indictment in the case will be filed in court on March 13, and the trial is expected to begin soon after.