The Tunis Court of Appeal has finalized the referral of a high-profile criminal case to the Court of First Instance, involving a former ministerial official and five accomplices accused of operating an extensive human and drug trafficking network.
The indictment follows a comprehensive investigation into a group suspected of orchestrating the sexual exploitation of underage girls in the Tunisian capital.
According to court documents, the criminal activities were centered in several apartments located in the El Aouina and Bardo districts. These locations were reportedly utilized as operational bases for the exploitation of minors and the storage of narcotics. Investigators allege that the group targeted Tunisian and foreign clients, using social media platforms to facilitate meetings and solicit payments.
The case file further reveals a sophisticated digital component to the crimes. One of the primary accomplices is accused of recording and distributing illicit digital content involving the victims, often using fictitious business activities as a front to mask the true nature of their operations. The six defendants face a litany of serious charges, including the formation of a criminal gang, human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, aggravated pimping, and the possession and trafficking of Schedule B narcotics.
As the case moves to the criminal division, the judicial authorities have emphasized the gravity of the charges, which include inciting minors to debauchery and the production of illegal digital media. While a specific commencement date for the trial has yet to be announced, the proceedings are expected to begin in the coming weeks, drawing significant public and media attention due to the involvement of a former government official.
MK/AK/fss/abj/APA