06.09.2012 - Oslo

76-year-old Convicted of Forced Male Prostitution in Bergen

Bergen County Court sentenced a 76-year-old to 3 years for having forced a Brazilian to sell sex to other men at a sauna in the city center.

Photo: Alain Bachellier | Protest by the Sex Workers

Keep Updated with the Latest News and Feeds, Follow Us on Facebook

Latest News

The court decision is the first in its kind in Norway where someone is convicted of male prostitution. Taking to TV2, the police prosecutor Rudolf Christoffersen said the decision is very important to show men can also be the victim of prostitution which usually takes place underground.

Bergen police first became aware of the criminal activity when the 29-year-old Brazilian contacted the police two years ago. After an intensive investigation the criminal activities in the sauna have been discovered.

Not a Unique Case

The Brazilian contacted 76-year-old through a friend when he was spending his holiday in Oslo. Then, he was offered a job in his company, Tropic Sauna in Bergen. 29-year-old started to worked without any contract for a low hourly rate, but he was offered to earn extra money by performing massage. After a short time, he was forced to sell sexual services to other men.
Police prosecutor Christoffersen noted that there are many male prostitute, and there is no reason to believe that this case is unique in its kind. According to police prosecutor, foreign men who have no means to work legally in Norway are particularly vulnerable in these cases.

The 29-year-old was also one of those who are in a difficult financial and personal situation, and had neither residency or work permit. During the years when he worked in Bergen, the 29-year-old was also infected with HIV. His illness made it difficult to return to his homeland, as he would not be able to pay for treatment there.

The Bergen County Court ruled 29-year-old to be awarded with 356,780 NOK for damages and 76-year-old to serve three years in prison.