Kat Torres, former Brazilian model and US-based wellness influencer. Once rumored to be dating actor Leonardo DiCaprio, she frequently appeared on Brazilian TV shows and known for her rags to riches story.
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Kat Torres was found guilty of trafficking and enslaving women including forcing them into sex work. FBI Investigation was initiated after two women living with Torres went missing in 2022.
Victims were drawn to Kat Torres’ success story and promises of wellness and success. Ana, a former live-in assistant was lured by promises of a good job but faced exploitation and abuse.
Ana and other victims lived in squalid conditions, were unpaid and were subjected to harsh rules and sleep deprivation.
Kat Torres claimed to have spiritual powers and used hallucinogenic drugs like ayahuasca in her rituals.
Employed coercion, manipulation and threats to maintain control over her victims. Victims were forced to engage in sex work with Torres using witchcraft and threats to enforce compliance.
Ana managed to escape from Torres’ control and later spoke out about her ordeal. Two other victims, Desirrê and Letícia, were coerced into sex work and strict living conditions eventually leading to a public search and FBI intervention.
Many victims are undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma inflicted by Kat Torres.
Presented herself as a beacon of hope claiming to have overcome a childhood and risen to international fame. Published an autobiography, “A Voz” (The Voice) in which she claimed spiritual powers and the ability to make predictions.
Ana, a Brazilian woman, was drawn to Torres’ narrative and moved to New York to work as her live-in assistant in 2019.
Ana experienced severe exploitation including constant availability, minimal sleep and no payment. Lived in squalid conditions, doing chores and living under constant psychological pressure.
Kat Torres targeted her most dedicated followers promising to help them achieve their dreams. Utilized her influence and intimate knowledge of her followers’ vulnerabilities to manipulate them. Recruited women to live with her subjecting them to strict control and exploitation.
Desirrê, a Brazilian woman living in Germany was lured to the US by Kat Torres under the pretext of needing support.
Forced to work at a strip club and later coerced into prostitution. Threatened with curses and financial ruin if she did not comply. Transferred substantial amounts of money to Torres and lived under strict and oppressive rules.
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Several women reported similar experiences of manipulation, isolation and exploitation. Some women were pressured into illegal activities to meet Torres’ demands. Strict house rules, financial exploitation and psychological coercion were common tactics.
Kat Torres used social media to create a facade of a glamorous and spiritual life. Promoted exclusive services and one-to-one video consultations to lure victims. Built a cult-like following isolating followers from their families and friends.
Families of missing women launched social media campaigns sparking an FBI-led search. Ana and other former clients reported Torres to law enforcement leading to her eventual arrest.
Authorities discovered the women’s profiles on escort websites confirming suspicions of sexual exploitation.
In a rare interview from a Brazilian prison, Torres denied all allegations. Claimed she was innocent and accused the media of lying. Displayed hostility towards the interviewers and issued a parting threat.
Brazilian court sentenced Torres to eight years in prison for human trafficking and slavery. More than 20 women have reported being scammed or exploited by Torres. Ongoing investigation into additional allegations in Brazil.
Kat Torres’ public persona and connections to celebrities added credibility, making it easier to attract and manipulate followers. Used her online platform to lure victims with promises of love, success and self-improvement.
Ana Escaped a violent past in Brazil. Moved to the US for better opportunities ended up trapped in Torres’ scheme.
She described living in unsanitary conditions and being constantly on call for Torres. Desirrê’s Memoir described her experience being forced into sex work and the psychological manipulation she endured.
Detective David Davol said that human traffickers often operate through trust and manipulation rather than overt violence.
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