At least 20 members of a human trafficking ring were arrested Thursday by US federal agents for allegedly smuggling women from Russia to work in American strip clubs.
Charges brought against the suspected criminals include visa fraud, marriage fraud and conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants, Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara was quoted as saying by the New York Post.
The gang allegedly provided women to owners and operators of strip clubs in New York's Queens and Long Island, and then charged the clubs 'protection' money.
'The defendants procured and sent these women false job offers for waitressing and other positions they would then include on their visa applications,' prosecutors said.
However, once the women arrived in the US, they worked as exotic dancers at strip clubs, in violation of visa rules prohibiting employment in the adult entertainment industry.
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