Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of sexual crimes. Readers are advised to exercise caution.
Brazilian Instagram influencer and ex-model jailed for human trafficking and slavery | BBC News
BBC Eye has released a documentary about Brazilian influencer Kat Torres, who is now in prison for sex trafficking and slavery. The film Like, Follow, Trafficked: Insta's Fake Guru follows the investigation of the critically acclaimed and award-winning investigative team into Torres' crimes. The documentary premiered on the BBC World Service YouTube channel on 18 July 2024 and is available to watch internationally.
According to the BBC, Kat Torres, a former Brazilian model, wellness influencer and spiritual life coach, is now in prison in Rio. Her crimes included sexual exploitation, slavery and sex trafficking, while amassing a loyal following of over a million on Instagram. Torres was given an eight-year prison sentence after the FBI investigated the disappearance of two women in 2022.
According to the outlet, Torres comes from an impoverished Brazilian community and rose to fame through her modeling work in Europe. She then lived a luxurious life in the U.S., partying with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and becoming the face of international magazines. She also promoted wellness and spirituality with over a million followers on Instagram. The model also gave advice on relationships and business success. These sessions included exclusive one-on-one video consultations after clients paid extra.
