Latest news with #DetainedinDubai
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Shocking truth behind Dubai's 'Porta Potty' parties where women are abused and degraded
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Fears are growing over sick Dubai 'Porta Potty' parties, where young women are lured in and forced to do the unthinkable. For many, Dubai is seen as a luxury playground consisting of gleaming skyscrapers, designer labels and influencers snapping selfies. However, behind the glamour lies a murky underworld, where women are lured to so-called ' Porta Potty parties '. It comes as a young model who was feared to have fallen victim to one of these vile parties has broken her silence from her hospital bed, reports the Mirror. Maria Kovalchuk, 20, was found dumped at the side of a road in Dubai with a broken spine and shattered limbs. The Ukrainian influencer, now recovering in Norway, has denied that citizens of the United Arab Emirates were to blame, but instead claims she was attacked by a group of 'rich Russian kids' after a hotel party turned violent. However, Maria's story has shed light on fears over grim ' Porta Potty parties ', where glamorous young female tourists are targeted in foul and demeaning ways. Young women - often glamorous tourists or aspiring influencers - are allegedly invited to these parties and promised luxury yachts, cash, and 5-star hotel stays. In reality, the truth is far more disturbing and could well land unfortunate guests in grave danger. Held aboard a luxury yacht as well as inside hotel rooms, Porta Potty parties are allegedly orchestrated by wealthy men, and centre around acts of degrading sexual humiliation, often involving bodily fluids. Those targeted are left with physical and psychological scars. Adult content creator Kay Manuel, from Australia's Gold Coast, previously told 'The promoters play it down. Saying, you'll just party, have a great time. Then get showered with gifts. In reality, you'll be expected to do unthinkable things.' According to Kay, another Australian woman known to her was hospitalised with devastating injuries after accepting an invitation from Dubai jewellery tycoons She continued: 'She had to get reconstructive surgery. She came back very emotionally scarred. It's not something that you can come back from and go 'oh well'. It's burned on your brain forever.' According to Kay, young influencers struggling with debt or brand deals are prime targets. She explained: 'They prefer to target Instagram models. They're less experienced than escorts.' Women caught up in these disturbing gatherings could also land in trouble with the law in the strict Gulf state, even if they're victims. Harrowingly, victims also run the risk of getting into serious difficulties with the law, in a country where sex workers can face six months behind bars. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, previously warned the Mirror that women involved in Porta Potty parties - even if they haven't consented - could be looking at charges of adultery or indecency, especially if such acts were carried out in the presence of married men. Ms Stirling said: " Sex outside marriage has been legalised in Dubai, but organisers have exploited this. Women think they're attending a private party - instead, they're thrown into horrific, dangerous situations with real legal risk." If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside Dubai Porta Potty parties - exactly what happens at degrading sexual abuse raves
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Concerns have grown over so-called Dubai Porta Potty parties, where young and vulnerable influencers are forced to do 'unthinkable things' For many, Dubai conjures up images of stylish influencers taking endless photographs against a glittering skyline. But there are those who warn of a darker underbelly to this decadent city, where women are lured to so-called 'Porta Potty parties'. This comes as Maria Kovalchuk, who was initially believed to be a victim of these disturbing gatherings, has opened up about her ordeal after she was discovered on a roadside in Dubai, with a broken spine and limbs. The 20-year-old Ukrainian model, who is now recovering in Norway, has denied that United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens were behind her horror injuries, instead pointing the finger at "rich Russian kids" she claims abused her after a hotel party. However, Maria's story has shed light on fears over grim 'Porta Potty parties', where glamorous young female tourists are targeted in foul and demeaning ways. Those invited to such parties may well expect an evening of opulence, tempted by promises of lavish gifts, high-end hotel stays, and wads of cash. In reality, the truth is far more disturbing and could well land unfortunate guests in grave danger. Held aboard a luxury yacht as well as inside hotel rooms, Porta Potty parties are allegedly orchestrated by wealthy men, and centre around acts of degrading sexual humiliation, often involving bodily fluids. Those targeted are left with physical and psychological scars. Adult content creator Kay Manuel, from Australia's Gold Coast, previously told 'The promoters play it down. Saying, you'll just party, have a great time. Then get showered with gifts. In reality, you'll be expected to do unthinkable things.' According to Kay, another Australian woman known to her was hospitalised with devastating injuries after accepting an invitation from Dubai jewellery tycoons She continued: 'She had to get reconstructive surgery. She came back very emotionally scarred. It's not something that you can come back from and go 'oh well'. It's burned on your brain forever.' As highlighted by Kay, who took a trip to Dubai earlier this year, aspiring influencers with debts and relatively few brand deals are more vulnerable. She explained: 'They prefer to target Instagram models. They're less experienced than escorts.' Harrowingly, victims also run the risk of getting into serious difficulties with the law, in a country where sex workers can face six months behind bars. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, previously warned the Mirror that women involved in Porta Potty parties - even if they haven't consented - could be looking at charges of adultery or indecency, especially if such acts were carried out in the presence of married men. Ms Stirling said: "Sex outside marriage has been legalised in Dubai, but organisers have exploited this. Women think they're attending a private party - instead, they're thrown into horrific, dangerous situations with real legal risk." If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Human Rights Groups Demand Inquiry into Lee Murray's Conviction
Rabat– Legal advocacy organizations 'Due Process International' and 'Detained in Dubai' are urging the UK Parliament to launch an urgent inquiry into the government's involvement in the prosecution of Lee Brahim Murray-Lamrani. Murray, 47, is a British-Moroccan former MMA fighter. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in Morocco over his involvement in the 2006 Securitas depot robbery of nearly £53 million in Kent, the biggest robbery in UK history. Nicknamed 'Lightning' Lee, Murray started his MMA career in 1999 with a knockout, before building an impressive record that led him to his first UFC victory in 2004. Murray was arrested on June 25, 2006 in Rabat in a joint operation conducted by Moroccan and British authorities. In a statement on July 16, the two organizations argued that the crime took place entirely on UK soil. And that when the extradition of Murray was denied under Moroccan law, British authorities supplied Moroccan prosecutors with police intelligence, case files, and evidence to pursue the conviction. 'Governments should not make 'quid pro quo' trade, security, or diplomatic deals just to secure the extradition or foreign prosecution of individual targets,' Radha Stirling, CEO of Due Process International and founder of Detained in Dubai, wrote on X . Radha cited 'serious human rights issues' including the absence of legal counsel during the appeal process, which led to increasing his sentence from 10 to 25 years. Due Process International has also called on the UK government to support a royal pardon for Murray, urging British authorities to advocate for his release following nearly two decades of prison. The UK government has not made any official response to the groups' demands. Tags: human rightslee murrayMMA
Ya Biladi
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Rights groups urge UK parliamentary inquiry into MMA fighter Lee Murray's conviction in Morocco
Legal advocacy groups Due Process International and Detained in Dubai are calling for an urgent Parliamentary inquiry into the UK government's role in the prosecution of British-Moroccan citizen Lee Brahim Murray-Lamrani. Murray is currently serving a 25-year sentence in Morocco after being convicted for his role in the 2006 Securitas depot heist in Kent—the largest cash robbery in British history. In a statement on July 16, the two organisations argue that the crime was committed entirely on UK soil, and that when extradition to the UK was blocked under Moroccan law, British authorities provided Moroccan prosecutors with police intelligence, case files, and evidence to secure a conviction abroad. «This is a clear-cut case of proxy prosecution», said Due Process International. «The UK Government bypassed its own courts, exported a British citizen's trial to a foreign jurisdiction, and denied him the legal protections he would have received at home». Radha Stirling, CEO of DPI and founder of Detained in Dubai, highlighted «serious human rights concerns», including alleged due process violations during the Moroccan trial, such as the absence of legal counsel during the appeal that saw Murray's sentence increased from 10 to 25 years. «If this was a quid pro quo conviction, it must be fully investigated», she said. The organisations are urging UK MPs on Foreign Affairs Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Rights to examine whether the UK violated its obligations, particularly amid what they describe as «enhanced diplomatic cooperation» with Morocco. «This is not just about one man», Stirling added. «If the UK can engineer a prosecution abroad when extradition fails, it opens the door to future abuses—not just in Morocco, but globally». DPI has also called on the UK government to support a presidential pardon for Murray: «Lee has now served the better part of two decades in prison, far longer than he likely would have if tried in the UK. It is time for compassion and for the UK to right this wrong». Awaits freedom in his Moroccan cell Born in London in 1977, Lee Murray grew up in the UK and spent his early years apart from his Moroccan father. As a teenager, Murray became involved in crime alongside childhood friend and accomplice Paul Allen, engaging in drug dealing and armed robberies. He had his first conviction as a minor for possession of cocaine and cannabis. Despite his run-ins with the law, Murray also pursued a promising career in mixed martial arts (MMA), gaining notoriety as a fierce competitor in the UK fight scene. However, his criminal ties ultimately overshadowed his sporting ambitions. The February 2006 Securitas robbery marked a turning point. Murray, accused of orchestrating the heist, fled to Morocco four days after the gang made off with £53 million from a cash depot in Tonbridge, Kent. Seeking to avoid extradition, he sought Moroccan citizenship. On June 25, 2006, he was arrested in Rabat in a joint operation by Moroccan and British authorities. In 2010, a Moroccan court sentenced Murray to 10 years in prison. That sentence was later increased to 25 years on appeal. «There's no happiness where I am», he said in a 2018 interview from his prison cell in Tifelt. «But I suppose I can say I'm happy to still be alive. (…) There have been times when I was sitting in a room next to people with multiple death sentences, and in those moments, your own problems suddenly seem very small».
Metro
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Ex-UFC fighter in fresh bid for jail pardon after role in £53,000,000 Securitas
A former UFC fighter imprisoned in Morocco for his part in the £53 million Securitas heist wants to 'return to fitness' and help others from challenging backgrounds in the UK. Lee 'Lightning' Murray is 'adamant' that he can focus on 'positive personal goals' once he is released from his 25-year sentence over the 2006 robbery at the depot in Tonbridge, Kent. His family is said to be 'desperate' for the dad's return after he was convicted in a Moroccan court in 2010 for his part in the raid. The mixed martial artist, also known as Lee Brahim Lamrani-Murray, is said to be looking forward to being 'reunited with his children and building a normal relationship, without bars.' His sentiments were released by a new campaign highlighting 'human rights concerns' over his imprisonment. Radha Stirling, a crisis manager supporting Murray's family, is calling on the UK government to formally support a pardon request. Stirling, the CEO of campaign groups Detained in Dubai and Due Process International, said: 'Lee has served his time. He is hopeful that the British government will take action to help secure his release. 'His wife and children are desperate to be reunited with him. 'Lee remains positive and determined to rebuild his life and dedicate himself to helping others. His wife Nicola and his children have been separated from him for far too long. 'They are doing everything they can to fight for his release and we are working with them to achieve that. 'There is no sense in Lee spending another 10 years in prison. 'This would never have happened in the UK and conditions in Morocco are arguably worse. 'The UK should not have participated in a proxy prosecution where Lee had no real chance to defend himself or seek a more lenient sentence. 'I hope British leaders will consider the severity of the punishment and show strong leadership by supporting their citizen's pardon application.' Murray, now 47, and close friend Paul Allen fled to Morocco four days after they took part in the audacious robbery. He claimed Moroccan citizenship through his father in order to avoid extradition, giving him dual nationality. Governments should not make 'quid pro quo' trade, security, or diplomatic deals just to secure the extradition or foreign prosecution of individual targets like Ireland did for Daniel Kinahan, India for Christian Michel, or the UK for Lee Murray. — Radha Stirling (@RadhaStirling) July 14, 2025 But British detectives worked closely with the authorities in the North African country, which resulted in the Londoner being given a 10-year sentence. Murray's stretch was later increased to 25 years after the original tariff was deemed too lenient. He has endured 'squalid, unhygienic conditions', been kept in solitary confinement 23 hours a day and deprived of contact with his family, according to his supporters. The former cagefighter was last known to be in Tifelt prison in north-western Morocco. The campaign groups have now added their weight to an existing plea by Murray's daughter, Lilly Lamrani Murray, to grant her dad a royal pardon. Lilly has said that he 'is a good man that made bad choices and paid a huge price' before mending his ways. 'After two decades of prison, Lee is very much focused on the future,' Stirling said. 'He anticipates being reunited with his children and building a normal relationship with them, without bars. 'Once released, Lee is adamant that he will focus on positive personal goals and helping others as much as he can. 'He wants to return to fitness, open a training gym and help other people, especially those who have come from challenging backgrounds, to focus on competitive sports and make healthy choices.' The Securitas heist remains the biggest cash robbery in UK history and has left behind many loose ends, despite seven people having been convicted over the kidnapping and robbery. In May last year, Metro revealed how the inside man in the robbery has not paid back a penny of the money he owes from his role. Ermir Hysenaj was given a confiscation order of £250,383 but his spoils remain unaccounted for, data showed. At court following the raid, Murray was described as a 'mastermind' by the prosecution, as a picture emerged of a fast-living character who grew up in Plumstead before reaching the UFC. He is thought to have been a fake police officer identified as 'Stopwatch' in CCTV footage as he and Allen abducted depot manager Colin Dixon, his wife and their child during the heist in February 2006. In 2023, Murray denied being the gang's ringleader in an interview for the 'Catching Lightning' documentary from behind bars, saying the robbery was not his idea and 'was happening whether I was involved or not.' The pair's high-rolling lifestyle soon caught the attention of the Moroccan authorities and they were arrested four months later. Allen has since been released from an 18-year UK sentence over the raid, and been left paralysed in a shooting at his luxury home, but Murray remains behind bars. He has previously said that he was a 'wild man' but is now a 'totally different person' who thinks of the future. His supporters agree as they highlight a sentence which, if served in full, won't see him released until 2035, after he turns 55. A royal pardon from King Mohammed VI, which was granted to more than 1,500 prisoners in March, would provide an exit route. Stirling told Metro: 'Lee has now spent nearly two decades in a Moroccan prison, far longer than many convicted terrorists and murderers in the UK. 'His continued detention raises serious questions about the UK's role in what has effectively become a proxy prosecution. 'Unable to try him themselves, British authorities encouraged Morocco to take over and even lobbied for a harsher sentence. This amounts to an outsourcing of justice that sets a dangerous precedent. 'Imagine if countries like Saudi Arabia or the UAE began prosecuting British citizens for crimes committed elsewhere. More Trending 'It opens the floodgates to abuse. We are calling for an inquest into the UK government's involvement and whether a quid pro quo arrangement was made with Morocco. We are also urging the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to formally support a pardon.' Metro has contacted the FCDO and Moroccan government for comment. Have you got a story you wish to share? Contact MORE: Career criminal behind £54,000,000 Securitas raid shot at home in 'murder plot' MORE: Five lost London pubs including one that hid secrets of daring £6,000,000 armed heist MORE: Securitas heist 'inside man' still hasn't paid a penny back of £250,000 spoils
