The owner of erotic businesses in Switzerland faced criminal charges for violating COVID regulations and potentially running an unlicensed brothel. However, due to errors in how evidence was collected, she walked away with just a slap on the wrist.
She operated a sex business during the COVID pandemic
Police raided the woman’s establishment in March 2020 after receiving tips about suspicious activity. They found women without work permits, fake IDs, and evidence of ongoing business during the COVID lockdown, when such establishments were closed.
Prosecutors accused the woman of bringing women in illegally, housing them, and profiting from their prostitution. They sought a suspended prison sentence, a fine, and deportation.
But the twist? The judge ruled that all the evidence gathered by police was unusable because it violated the woman’s right to legal representation. Without that evidence, the prosecution’s case crumbled, and the woman was acquitted of all charges except violating COVID restrictions.
For keeping her business open during the lockdown, she received a suspended fine. So, despite the initial suspicions, the woman ultimately faced minimal consequences. This case highlights the importance of proper legal procedures and how seemingly minor errors can have major impacts on criminal investigations.
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