Instagram Influencer Kat Torres Sentenced to Eight Years for Human Trafficking and Slavery
Former Brazilian model and Instagram influencer Kat Torres has been sentenced to eight years in prison for human trafficking and enslavement of women.
This verdict comes after a lengthy investigation by the FBI, following the disappearance of two young Brazilian women in September 2022.
Torres, who once enjoyed a glamorous lifestyle and mingled with celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, used her influence on social media to lure vulnerable women into a web of exploitation.
Her story of rising from poverty in Brazil to gracing international magazine covers seemed inspiring, but it masked a sinister reality.
The investigation revealed that Torres manipulated her followers through her wellness website and subscription service, promising “love, money, and self-esteem.”
She charged $150 for one-on-one video consultations, during which she would claim to solve any problems her clients faced. However, many of these women ended up isolated from their friends and families, controlled by Torres’ psychological coercion.
Ana, one of the victims, described her harrowing experience. She moved to New York in 2019 to work as Torres’ live-in assistant, drawn by Torres’ seemingly credible persona.
Instead, Ana found herself in a filthy apartment, forced to be available 24/7, and sleeping on a sofa covered in cat urine. She was never paid and felt trapped, mirroring the experiences of many others who fell under Torres’ spell.
Torres’ control extended beyond Ana. Desirrê Freitas, another victim, was pressured into working at a strip club and later into prostitution to meet Torres’ escalating financial demands. Desirrê and other women living with Torres in Austin, Texas, were subjected to strict house rules, forbidden from speaking to each other, and required to hand over all their earnings.
The situation escalated when Torres, her husband Zach, and the women moved from Texas to Maine to avoid media attention and law enforcement. Despite Torres’ attempts to hide, the FBI, with help from concerned former clients like Ana, tracked them down.
The missing women were discovered on escort and prostitution websites, confirming suspicions of sexual exploitation.
In November 2022, a welfare check by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in Maine revealed the full extent of Torres’ control over her followers. By December, the two missing women were safely returned to Brazil.
Detective David Davol, who conducted the welfare check, emphasized the growing problem of human trafficking, exacerbated by social media platforms.
Torres’ former flatmate in New York, Luzer Twersky, attributed her drastic change to the hallucinogenic drug ayahuasca, which she was introduced to by Hollywood friends. This drug, combined with her manipulative tactics, helped Torres build a cult-like following.
Despite Torres’ denials and claims of being misunderstood, the evidence against her was overwhelming. Over 20 women came forward, sharing stories of being scammed and exploited, with many still undergoing therapy to recover from their trauma.
The trial, held in a federal court in Maine, garnered significant media attention, with several of Torres’ victims testifying against her. The prosecution presented extensive evidence, including testimony from the victims, financial records showing the money flow from the victims to Torres, and digital evidence from social media and messaging platforms.
The judge, in delivering the sentence, emphasized the severity of Torres’ actions and the long-term impact on the victims’ lives.
“Ms. Torres used her platform and influence to exploit and control vulnerable women for her own gain. This sentence reflects the seriousness of her crimes and the need for justice for her victims,” the judge stated.
Human trafficking experts have highlighted this case as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking on social media. “This case underscores the need for greater awareness and vigilance in the digital age,” said one expert.
“Influencers can have a profound impact on their followers, and it’s crucial to ensure that this influence is not abused.”
The FBI has also called for other potential victims of Torres or similar schemes to come forward, assuring them of support and confidentiality. “If you or someone you know has been a victim of human trafficking or exploitation, we urge you to contact law enforcement. Help is available,” said an FBI spokesperson.