Unveiling the Dark Underbelly of Dubai's Sex Trade: BBC Investigation Exposes Exploitation

Sun Oct 19 2025 17:45:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A BBC investigation has revealed the identity of Charles Mwesigwa, who runs a controversial sex trade ring in Dubai, exploiting vulnerable Ugandan women. The investigation uncovers horrific realities faced by these women, including extreme fetishes and potential links to past suicides among workers.

In a shocking exposé, BBC investigators have identified Charles Mwesigwa, a key figure in Dubai's underground sex trade, who claims to offer women for high-profile parties for thousands of dollars. The investigation reveals a disturbing reality where many women were misled into thinking they were traveling for legitimate jobs, only to find themselves in exploitative conditions. An alarming connection to two deaths among women in Mwesigwa's network raises questions about the safety and treatment of these vulnerable individuals.

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

A man running a sex ring operating out of Dubai's glamorous neighborhoods, exploiting vulnerable women, has been identified by a BBC investigation.

Charles Mwesigwa, who claims to be a former London bus driver, openly discussed providing women for sex parties, starting at a price of $1,000 (£740) per night, saying that many could perform 'pretty much everything' clients desire.

For years, rumors have circulated regarding wild sex parties in the UAE, often mocked on social media platforms. Yet, this investigation reveals an even darker reality. Many Ugandan women believed they were traveling to Dubai for jobs in supermarkets or hotels, only to find themselves forced into sex work.

Among the haunting claims, one woman, identified as Mia, revealed that some clients requested degrading acts, including defecation. Mwesigwa denied these allegations, asserting that he merely helps women find accommodation through landlords.

Tragically, investigations uncovered that at least two women linked to Mwesigwa had died after falling from high-rise apartments, with their deaths ruled as suicides. The families of these women feel that the police failed to adequately investigate these incidents.

According to testimonies, women in Mwesigwa's network were often tricked into believing they owed large sums of money for transportation and lodging, effectively trapping them in a cycle of exploitation.

The BBC's investigation involved undercover reporting that corroborated claims about Mwesigwa's activities, revealing his calm demeanor when discussing the business of supplying women for sex acts.

Mwesigwa’s network has reportedly evaded scrutiny by using associates' names to operate, insulating him from legal repercussions.

As the investigation unfolds, the plight of women like Monic Karungi, who dreamed of a better life and ultimately became a victim, brings to light the urgent need for action against such exploitative practices in Dubai.

This ongoing situation raises broader questions about the treatment and safety of migrant workers in the Gulf, as activists warn that many fall victim to similar predicaments.