Pimps and human traffickers in Berlin are apparently trying to take advantage of the plight of the Ukrainian refugees. Such attempts are said to have been made not only at the main train station, where thousands of people from Ukraine arrive every day, but also at the central bus station in Charlottenburg. Helpers report independently of one another that strangers have made dubious offers of accommodation to refugee women traveling alone.
“Pimps send their forced prostitutes from Ukraine because women can better establish contact with women,” said a helper to the Berliner Zeitung. Other dubious figures who were addressed by helpers were also noticed several times.
The Berlin police have not yet been able to confirm this. “We don’t have a specific case yet,” says a police spokesman on request. “But we are sensitized and keep an eye on it. We also ask that you report any relevant information.”
More than a thousand refugees arrived at the ZOB during the night
Because there have been corresponding indications since last week, the State Criminal Police Office is present with civilian officers at the ZOB, according to investigators. Uniformed officers are also there with a patrol car. According to the Malteser relief service, well over 1,000 people arrived there on Monday night, which makes the situation even more confusing for investigators and helpers. The night before there were only around 250 people arriving.
Incidents similar to those at the ZOB apparently also happened at Berlin Central Station. “We received various tips from helpers that some shady characters are walking around there and making offers to women,” says a spokesman for the federal police. According to him, the officials were also able to observe how these people spied on solo travelers. When federal police officers approached these people, they ran away. According to the spokesman, the officials have now issued several place references.