According to investigators, in March 2024, two sisters from Zhytomyr region, aged 31 and 34, organized an establishment in central Lviv that operated under the guise of an erotic massage salon. In reality, law enforcement officials say paid intimate services were provided there.
To run the establishment, the women rented premises, equipped them, and hired staff. According to the investigation, the organizers fully controlled the salon’s operations and received profit from its activities.
How the Establishment in Lviv Operated
Investigators established that the sisters performed management functions and were responsible for the main operational processes. In particular, they:
- set service prices;
- distributed the money received;
- established rules for employees;
- introduced a system of fines;
- provided staff with hygiene products;
- organized client visits both at the premises and off-site.
The services were provided by hired women. Between March and May 2024, one of the suspects, according to investigators, involved a minor girl in this activity.
Law enforcement officials state that the organizer took advantage of the teenager’s difficult life circumstances. The girl was in a difficult financial situation and had to support underage family members and a seriously ill mother. She was persuaded that she would be working in a massage salon.
Later, according to the investigation, the minor was used not only to provide services but also as a salon administrator. She answered client calls and accepted payments.
Concealing the Activity and Advertising
To hide the illegal operation, employees used code words, while the list of services in the price list was phrased in a veiled manner. Investigators also say the organizers tried to create the appearance of lawful activity.
For this purpose, they advertised the salon on social media and placed information about it on Lviv online directory pages.
According to law enforcement, services were provided not only at the rented premises but also outside the salon.
Service Prices and Seized Evidence
According to the investigation, prices ranged from UAH 2,000 to UAH 20,000. Clients could pay either in cash or by transfers to bank cards. Employees received 30% of the amount paid by clients.
The activity of the establishment has now been stopped. During searches at the salon, law enforcement officers seized:
- cash;
- bank cards;
- mobile phones;
- records of alleged off-the-books accounting.
What Suspicions Were Announced to the Organizers
Under the procedural guidance of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, both sisters were notified of suspicion of maintaining a place of debauchery for profit and pimping. The case concerns Part 3 of Article 302 and Part 2 of Article 303 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
One of the suspects is additionally accused of recruiting a person for the purpose of exploitation by using their vulnerable condition, committed against a minor. This falls under Part 2 of Article 149 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The pre-trial investigation is being carried out by the Main Department of the National Police in Lviv region.
Under Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court conviction.