According to a major newspaper in Sweden, the two guys behind Free6.com was found guilty of human trafficking and thus sentenced to life in prison in the Phillipines.
Original article here:
http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article13008242.ab
Google Translate here:
Judgement: Lifetime
Swedes convicted of trafficking in brothels: Fabricated accusations
Swedes Andreas Solemo, 35 and Stefan Sederholm, 31, hoped to be released after the trial in the Philippines.
Cathedral yesterday: life imprisonment - for both.
The Swedes were arrested two years ago following a crackdown on an internet brothel in Cagayan de Oro. They have been detained since then on suspicion of human trafficking.
- This appeal came as a complete shock, when even lawyers were confident that they would be acquitted, "said Stefan Sederholm brother.
Had cyber sex
The two IT technicians Andreas Solemo and Stefan Sederholm was involved in an internet brothel where customers paid to see scantily clad women posing in front of Web cameras, so-called cybersex. The Swedes were arrested when police raided the brothel Internet.
- It's fabricated accusations against us, "said Solemo when Aftonbladet spoke to him in prison before the appeal.
Some 20 women posed in front of webcams. Those who paid the equivalent to a dollar a minute could chat and see the scantily clad women live all over the world on their computers.
According to the Swedes, they had not, however, with the women to do.
"Just be consultants'
- We were engaged only to help with the technical data as consultants. And we found out that cybersex was legal before we committed ourselves. We also know that women made good money with the Filipino dimensions, says Sederholm.
According to police investigation, the women were not allowed to leave the premises during their shifts. Something that made the crime classified as human trafficking (trafficking).
Will appeal
According to Stefan Sederholm's brother, the decision will be appealed.
- Yes, it will happen within weeks. But right now I am not able to talk about this when I feel like our whole family was hit by a nuclear bomb, "he says.
The Court states:
"Foreigners should not abuse our hospitality during a temporary stay in the country and make it a haven for their criminal activities. Anyone who violates a woman's dignity by taking advantage of her vulnerability can expect severe penalties. Lack of respect for Filipino women and our laws deserve the strongest condemnation by this court, "writes the Regional Court in Cagayan de Oro in its ruling, and imposes life imprisonment for the two Swedes.
Three Filipinos convicted as accomplices to 20 years imprisonment each.
Was arrested at his hotel
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April 23, 2009: Some 30 policemen strikes against a local in Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines. Some 20 scantily clad women are found. Several pose in front of webcams. Computers and cameras seized. Swedes arriving by air the same day and arrested at his hotel.
May 2009: The Swedes arrested on suspicion of human trafficing - human beings - and placed in the notorious prison Lumbia.
February 2011: The main hearing is held with the two Swedes and three Filipinos suspected of having committed the same crime.
May 10, 2011: Judgement issued by Judge Jeoffre W Acebido of Misamis Oriental Regional Trial Court Branch 41: "Life imprisonment" for Andrew Solemo and Stefan Sederholm. The three Philippines, 20 years in prison each.
Tord Westlund