Influencer jailed for trafficking and slavery. In September 2022, the families of two young Brazilian women, reported missing in the U.S., and the FBI launched a desperate search.

The missing women were living with wellness influencer Kat Torres, who has now been sentenced to eight years in prison for human trafficking and slavery of one of the women. Charges have also been filed in connection with a second woman, according to the BBC World Service.

Influencer jailed for trafficking and slavery

Kat Torres, once a model who mingled with celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, groomed her social media followers, exploiting their vulnerabilities. One victim, Ana, although not one of the missing women, was instrumental in their rescue. Ana described how Torres, with her glamorous lifestyle and spiritual persona, had initially appeared inspirational, offering hope to vulnerable followers.

However, behind the influencer’s curated Instagram life was a darker reality. Torres isolated followers like Ana, lured them to work as her live-in assistants, and subjected them to exploitation. Torres used her influence and claims of spiritual power to control her victims psychologically and financially.

The FBI search revealed that Torres had coerced other women, recruiting them to live with her in Texas. Victims reported strict house rules, manipulation, and forced labor in local strip clubs. By December 2022, the two missing women were safely returned to Brazil, but investigations into Torres’ other alleged victims continue.

Read the full investigation here.