Illegal immigrants allegedly showed clients a WhatsApp ‘menu’ of women for sex trafficking

Federal prosecutors say three illegal immigrants in Louisiana ran a sex trafficking ring that advertised women for sexual services through WhatsApp, even providing a “menu” of available women to potential clients.

According to the Department of Justice, Zaira Lopez-Oliva, Kirsis Castellanos-Kirington, and Jesus Lopez, known as “El Perro,” were arrested in October in Baton Rouge for allegedly operating the trafficking network.

The FBI was alerted after receiving screenshots from a confidential source showing WhatsApp messages from Lopez, including photos of scantily clad women offered for paid sex acts. Prosecutors say the women were coerced into sex with men who paid between $40 and $60.

Court documents state that Lopez-Oliva and Castellanos-Kirington helped Lopez run the operation, including transporting victims to and from the New Orleans Airport. Surveillance images released by prosecutors show Lopez and Lopez-Oliva in a pickup truck near the airport. Both women also helped manage the Baton Rouge locations where the trafficking took place.

Clients ranged in age from 18 to 60, according to federal filings. When agents raided one of the houses, a victim told investigators she had come to Louisiana after receiving Lopez’s contact from a friend, only to be told upon arrival that she would be required to perform sex acts for clients. Two of the women interviewed were also in the country illegally.

One victim reported she received no pay on Mondays and Tuesdays, and on other days was allowed to keep only $20 of each $40 paid by clients, with the rest going to Lopez. Another victim said she was forbidden from leaving or telling anyone what she was doing, and that Lopez threatened to kill her if she spoke out.

All three suspects have been charged with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, along with aiding and abetting.

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