The recent sentencing of US-based wellness influencer Kat Torres to eight years in prison has shed light on a disturbing human trafficking case investigated by the FBI. Torres, a former Brazilian model, faced allegations of enslaving and trafficking women who lived with her, leading to an outcry from the victims. The case unfolded when two women residing with Torres went missing, prompting others to come forward with their own chilling experiences. These women were initially drawn to Torres’ glamorous lifestyle and her supposed spiritual powers, which she showcased on Brazilian TV and through associations with high-profile individuals, including rumored connections to Hollywood figures.
One of Torres’ former associates, known as Ana, shared her ordeal after moving to New York to work as Torres’ live-in assistant. Despite promises of decent pay, Ana found herself subjected to squalid living conditions, sleep deprivation, and unpaid menial tasks. The house she lived in was filthy, with deplorable conditions, including a urine-soaked sofa serving as a bed.
The situation escalated when Torres relocated to Texas with two other women, Desirre and Leticia, under the guise of a healing and life coaching retreat. However, the environment quickly turned oppressive, with restricted movement and alleged involvement in activities such as prostitution and witchcraft.
Desirre, one of the victims, revealed how she was coerced into working at a strip club under Torres’ manipulative control. She faced financial quotas and enforced isolation from others. Torres even pushed Desiree towards prostitution, threatening her with homelessness if she failed to meet the earning targets set by Torres.
The distressing reality of these women’s lives became evident when their friends and family launched social media campaigns to find them in September. In an attempt to evade media attention, Torres and the women traveled from Texas to Maine. They were coerced into posting Instagram videos denying captivity and urging people to stop searching for them.
This case has shocked many, as more than 20 women have come forward to share similar stories of exploitation and deception by Torres. These survivors are currently undergoing psychological therapy to cope with the trauma inflicted upon them during their time under her influence. The sentencing of Kat Torres serves as a reminder of the importance of combating human trafficking and supporting victims in their journey to recovery.
