What began as supposed modelling opportunities for young women in the Czech Republic has now led to a criminal case that will put nine people on trial over allegations they forced recruits to appear in pornography films.
All nine defendants are linked to the Czech Casting pornography label and face human trafficking charges carrying possible prison terms of up to 12 years, Prague city prosecutor’s office spokesman Ales Cimbala told AFP.
“The accused include people organising the Czech Casting project, as well as people ensuring finances, casting production and agreements”, he said, along with photographers, camera operators and actors.
Earlier, the Czech organised crime squad NCOZ said the group had posted job offers for female models aged over 18 between 2016 and 2019.
The agency said the fallout for the women extended well beyond the filming itself, leaving them “exposed to problems at work and on the personal level” after the experience.
“Many manifested psychological and health problems and had to seek medical aid including longer treatment,” the NCOZ said, adding that the number of women affected ran into the hundreds.
Mr Cimbala said the 629-page indictment concerns 18 abused women who, prosecutors allege, were subjected to mounting pressure by the organisers.
“At casting, the organisers created the impression of a rush or played down the importance of the agreements signed” in order to secure the women’s consent, he added.
