Security authorities in Kuwait have arrested four people for forcing 26 Asian men to work in massage parlors, wear women’s clothes and provide ‘special services.’

The incident that shocked the nation is being treated as a human trafficking case, reports the Albawaba.

The four were arrested after the police received information that a gang was abusing some expatriates by involving them in immoral practices, prompting the security agencies to launch an operation to check the claims and, upon obtaining the approval of the legal authorities, conducted a raid.

The investigation revealed that a Kuwaiti national, a stateless man, and two Asians had kept 26 Asians and forced them into sex trade in massage parlors in the Mahboula and Abu Halifa areas, Kuwaiti daily Al Rai reported on Monday.

The victims told the police they had been coerced into the trade under threats and the use of violence against them.

‘The workers gave detailed information about what had happened to them, including beatings, sexual assault and being forced to work without rest, provide sexual services to clients, put on makeup and wear women’s clothing,’ a security source told the daily.

‘They were also deprived of their financial entitlements. The case is still being investigated,’ he said.