In a shocking case that has garnered international attention, former Brazilian model and wellness influencer Kat Torres has been sentenced to eight years in prison for human trafficking and slavery. The sentencing follows an FBI investigation that began when two young Brazilian women, Desirrê Freitas and Letícia Maia, were reported missing in September 2022. Torres, who had millions of Instagram followers and was known for her glamorous lifestyle, used her influence to lure vulnerable women into exploitative situations under the guise of offering spiritual and life coaching services.
Torres’ story is a stark reminder of how social media can be used to exploit trust and manipulate vulnerable individuals. Her journey from the impoverished Brazilian favela to international catwalks and Hollywood parties masked a darker reality. According to reports, Torres coerced her followers into labor and sex work, often threatening them with curses and leveraging their personal information to maintain control.
Desirrê Freitas, one of the victims whose plight sparked the investigation, recounted her harrowing experience of being pressured into working at a strip club and later as a prostitute. She described strict house rules, including being forbidden from speaking to other residents and needing Torres’ permission for basic activities. Freitas’ bank statements revealed she transferred over $21,000 to Torres in just two months, with much more handed over in cash.
Another victim, identified as Ana, shared how she was manipulated into becoming Torres’ live-in assistant in 2019. Ana described being subjected to sleep deprivation and forced labor, all while being unpaid. She eventually escaped with the help of a new boyfriend but continued to play a crucial role in bringing Torres to justice.
The investigation into Torres’ activities revealed that she used her wellness website and subscription service to attract followers, promising them “love, money, and self-esteem.” However, instead of fulfilling these promises, she isolated her followers from their support networks and exploited them for financial gain.
The case underscores the growing issue of human trafficking facilitated through social media, a crime that generates an estimated $150 billion in profits worldwide annually, according to the UN. Detective David Davol, who questioned Torres and the women in Maine, highlighted that traffickers often exploit the trust of their victims rather than using overt force.
Despite Torres’ conviction, she maintains her innocence and has appealed the decision. However, with more than 20 women coming forward to report being scammed or exploited by Torres, the extent of her crimes is still unfolding.
This case serves as a powerful warning about the potential dangers of social media influence and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
