Unveiling the Dark Underbelly of Dubai's Glamorous Sex Trade

Sat Dec 20 2025 01:12:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The BBC investigates Charles Mwesigwa's sex trade operations in Dubai, revealing the harrowing experiences of women caught in a web of exploitation and abuse.

A BBC investigation has exposed Charles Mwesigwa, who orchestrates a degrading sex trade in Dubai, victimizing vulnerable women lured under false pretenses. The investigation highlights the brutal realities faced by Ugandan women who expected ordinary jobs but found themselves trapped in a sinister world of sexual exploitation and extreme fetishes. Two women linked to Mwesigwa have died under suspicious circumstances, raising serious concerns over the investigation and treatment of such cases by authorities.

Warning: Contains disturbing content and graphic descriptions of sexual acts.

A man known as Charles Mwesigwa has been identified as the mastermind behind a horrific sex trade operation flourishing in Dubai's most luxurious neighbourhoods. A BBC investigation uncovered Mwesigwa's dealings, which exploit vulnerable Ugandan women brought to the UAE with false promises of jobs in sectors like hospitality.

Mwesigwa, who claims to be a former London bus driver, boasted to an undercover reporter how he could arrange sex parties, offering women starting at $1,000 per night and endorsing that they are 'open-minded' to fulfill extreme client requests. Young women, such as Monic Karungi and others, arrived in Dubai expecting legitimate work but found themselves forced into a degrading world of sexual servitude.

There are disturbing reports of specific client requests for extreme fetishes, with young women coerced into degrading acts. Mia, a survivor, recounted how one client would defecate on women, suggesting a shocking trend among certain clients primarily from Europe.

Tragically, Monic Karungi and another woman, Kayla Birungi, have lost their lives under suspicious circumstances, and families believe their deaths should have warranted deeper investigations. Mwesigwa allegedly told Monic, who wanted to leave, that she owed him exorbitant sums for travel and living costs, effectively trapping her in his network. Witnesses presented harrowing accounts of depravity witnessed within Mwesigwa's operation, including extensive abuse and violence against the women involved.

A response from Mwesigwa denied allegations of wrongdoing, asserting he only assists women in finding wealthy clients. He explained that both women had been living with different landlords, and suggested that nothing was being concealed or investigated further as part of the local law enforcement protocols.

Mariam Mwiza, a Ugandan activist, emphasized that the pipeline sending workers from Uganda to the Gulf continues to present severe risks of exploitation. This dark side of Dubai raises alarming questions about the systemic failure to protect vulnerable immigrants from organized abuse.