Uncovering the Dark Side of Massage Parlours in Mallorca

A recent documentary by Deutsche Welle has shed light on the rampant exploitation of women in massage parlours in Mallorca, where sex is often offered instead of wellness treatments. The documentary, which features undercover footage, reveals the shocking truth behind these establishments, where women are subjected to physical abuse, rape, and forced prostitution.

The Boom in Asian Massage Parlours

Mallorca has experienced a significant increase in the number of Asian massage parlours in recent years. While these establishments may appear to offer legitimate wellness treatments, many of them have been found to be fronts for prostitution and human trafficking. The documentary by Deutsche Welle exposes the dark side of these businesses, where women are coerced into offering sexual services to clients.

Undercover Investigation

The team of reporters from Deutsche Welle went undercover in several massage parlours in Palma, equipped with hidden cameras. What they found was shocking. In one salon, the reporter was offered not only classic treatments but also specific sexual services, including prices. An employee was heard saying, ‘A hand job costs 50 euros, a blow job 100 euros.’ The reporter also discovered small rooms with beds instead of massage tables, confirming the suspicion that these establishments are not primarily for relaxation.

Systematic Abuses

A woman who used to work in one of the salons, whose voice was altered in the documentary for security reasons, described the systematic abuses that took place. She reported that employees repeatedly suffered physical assaults and that there were cases of rape that were not reported to the police. ‘If you try to hide money from them, they beat you,’ she said in the documentary. She also revealed that women were sometimes locked up and raped as punishment.

Police Inaction

Despite the evidence, the police in Mallorca find it difficult to take action against this type of exploitation. Although prostitution is not illegal in Spain, it is largely unregulated, with no uniform legal basis or clear labour law standards. The sale of sexual services is permitted as long as it is not organised by third parties. However, as soon as third parties, such as massage parlour operators, profit from it, it can be considered forced prostitution or human trafficking.

NGOs Call for More Prevention

Aid organisations and social workers emphasize that short-term closures of establishments alone will not solve the problem. They are calling for stronger protection concepts for those affected and more prevention work. They are also calling for greater legal clarity so that women do not refuse to testify for fear of reprisals.

The documentary by Deutsche Welle is a wake-up call for the authorities and the public to take action against human trafficking and exploitation in Mallorca. It highlights the need for more effective laws and regulations to protect the victims and prevent such abuses from taking place.

Conclusion

The exploitation of women in massage parlours in Mallorca is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The documentary by Deutsche Welle has shed light on the dark side of these establishments, and it is now up to the authorities and the public to take action. By supporting stronger protection concepts, prevention work, and greater legal clarity, we can help prevent such abuses and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.