Dubai Sex-Trade Ring Leader Arrested After BBC Sting

Tue Oct 21 2025 00:44:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a shocking development, the head of a sex-trade ring operating in Dubai's luxury sectors has been detained following a BBC investigation, raising questions about human trafficking and exploitation.

Charles 'Abbey' Mwesigwa, identified by a recent BBC investigation, has been arrested in Dubai for running a sex-trade ring that exploited vulnerable women. Undercover footage revealed he offered women for sex parties, with rates starting at $1,000. His detention follows allegations of human trafficking, sparked by testimonies from Ugandan women who were misled about job opportunities. Officials are considering charges while the Ugandan parliament demands justice.

Warning: Contains disturbing content and graphic descriptions of sexual acts

The BBC understands the boss of a degrading sex-trade ring that exploited vulnerable women in Dubai's most glamorous neighbourhoods has been detained in the United Arab Emirates.

Charles Abbey Mwesigwa, who was identified in a recent BBC investigation as running the network, was filmed telling an undercover reporter he could provide women for a sex party at a starting price of $1,000 (£750).

He also said the women could do pretty much everything clients wanted them to and claimed to be a former London bus driver.

It is not clear what charges - if any - Mwesigwa is facing in the UAE and the country's authorities have not yet made a public announcement about the case.

However, a Dubai law firm contacted by the BBC confirmed that Mwesigwa was in custody at the Central Prison Centre in Al Awir, Dubai. They reported that a red notice had been issued against Mwesigwa by Interpol Uganda.

A red notice is a request to police worldwide to detain someone pending extradition.

The Ugandan embassy in the UAE's capital Abu Dhabi last week issued a statement saying investigations of human trafficking are ongoing and action has been taken by the authorities of the UAE. This statement is believed to be linked to Mwesigwa's detention.

The BBC World Service investigation featured testimonies from young Ugandan women who said they falsely traveled to Dubai with promises of jobs and opportunities, only to find themselves indebted and forced into prostitution. In some cases, women thought they were going to work in supermarkets or hotels, as prostitution is illegal in Dubai.

At least one of Mwesigwa's clients reportedly made disturbing requests, including defecating on women, as reported by Mia, whose name has been changed to protect her identity.

Although Mwesigwa has denied all allegations, claiming he merely helped women find accommodations, his network has reportedly led to the deaths of two women linked to him after falling from high-rise buildings, which their friends and family feel should have been investigated more thoroughly.

Numerous discussions occurred in the Ugandan parliament last week, where ministers labeled the situation disturbing and pledged to collaborate with Interpol to ensure justice for the victims.