Virgins for sale in Colombia in 'world's biggest brothel'

Summary

The transcript reveals the dark underbelly of Medellin, Colombia, where the legacy of Pablo Escobar's drug trade has morphed into a thriving sex industry. Despite Escobar's death, the city grapples with sex tourism and the exploitation of young girls, including the shocking trade in virgins. The script follows a journalist's investigation into the city's red-light district, where even children are not safe from gangs seeking to profit from their innocence. It also features an interview with a convicted British sex offender and the harrowing account of a survivor, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect Medellin's most vulnerable.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Medellin, Colombia, was once notorious for the drug baron Pablo Escobar and extreme violence in the 1990s.
• 🔫 The city's legacy of violence has contributed to a thriving sex industry, with even taxi drivers involved.
• 🚷 Prostitution is legal in Medellin, but the age of consent is 18, leading to exploitation of underage individuals.
• 💸 The decline of the drug trade has pushed gangs to seek new income sources, including the trafficking of young girls.
• 👨‍👧 Mothers in Medellin live in fear as gangs target their young daughters for sexual exploitation.
• 🌐 Authorities have spent millions to clean up Medellin's image, but the problem of virgin trafficking persists.
• 🗣️ Local citizens have taken matters into their own hands to raise awareness of the issue through graffiti and activism.
• 🤝 Gang members, who control the barrios, are involved in the sex trade and are shown grooming young girls in the script.
• 🇬🇧 Paul Brailsford, a British citizen, was convicted for having sex with underage girls in Colombia and is serving a 20-year sentence.
• 👧 Naomi, one of Brailsford's victims, was only 12 years old at the time of the abuse and was groomed by him.
• 🛡️ The authorities' failure to address the issue has left mothers to fight for their daughters' safety and future.

Q & A

Who is Pablo Escobar and what is his connection to Medellin?

Pablo Escobar was a notorious drug baron who ruled Medellin, Colombia through extreme violence in the 1990s, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

How has the legacy of Pablo Escobar affected Medellin's current situation?

The easy cash from the drug trade during Escobar's reign has fueled a huge sex industry in Medellin, leading to issues like underage prostitution and exploitation.

What is the legal age of consent in Colombia?

The legal age of consent in Colombia is 18 years old.

How do the gangs in Medellin exploit young girls?

The gangs groom young girls by inviting them to parties, giving them gifts, and eventually involving them in the sex trade.

What is the significance of the red-light district in Medellin mentioned in the script?

The red-light district in Medellin is significant as it is a hub for the sex industry, where prostitution is legal but the age of consent is 18, leading to exploitation.

Why are mothers in Medellin living in fear according to the script?

Mothers in Medellin are living in fear because the gangs have plans to exploit their young daughters, including selling their virginity for profit.

What is the role of taxi drivers in the sex industry in Medellin as per the script?

Taxi drivers in Medellin are involved in the sex industry, possibly by facilitating or promoting the trade.

What is the stance of the local authorities on the issue of virgins being sold in Medellin?

The local authorities have reportedly received information about virgins being sold but have not conducted investigations, leading to community members taking matters into their own hands.

Who is Paul Brailsford and what crime is he convicted of?

Paul Brailsford is a British national convicted of having sex with children in Colombia. He was arrested with child pornography and accused of sleeping with underage girls.

How does the script describe the situation of young girls in Medellin's barrios?

The script describes a dire situation for young girls in Medellin's barrios, where they are at risk of being exploited by gangs for profit, and their innocence is being taken advantage of.

What is the current state of Medellin in terms of violence and safety?

While Medellin is less violent than it used to be, it is still not a safe place for young girls due to the ongoing issues with gangs and exploitation.