MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police are cautioning the public about responding to advertisements seeking prospective models. While there obviously are reputable modeling agencies making legitimate recruitments, Hilo detectives have uncovered an unscrupulous and potentially dangerous online effort by an organization that lures unsuspecting women to Oahu under the pretense of offering them careers in modeling while actually having other intentions.

Recently, two young local women were coaxed to Oahu with the promise of a lucrative modeling contract. After a few days of being photographed around the island of Oahu, the women learned that the photographer and “modeling agent” intended to take them out of the state, possibly out of the country. Circumstances described by one of the potential victims who was able to get away and fly back to the Big Island suggested that the pair’s true intention was to traffic the young ladies into a life of prostitution.

Honolulu Police Department personnel were immediately notified and were able to intercept the second female along with the two suspects just as they were checking out of their hotel. The second potential victim was provided secure escort to the Honolulu airport, where she safely boarded a flight back to the Big Island.

This matter is being looked into by investigators with the Honolulu Police Department.

As with many online solicitations, members of the public are urged to be wary of potential threats to their safety and financial well being. While the internet is a tremendous resource and valuable tool, law-abiding citizens aren’t the only ones who use it. The criminal element in our society regularly uses the internet to feed their greed and prey upon unsuspecting innocent people.

Be wise when conducting business over the internet. Be particularly careful if you make personal contact with individuals met online, although that practice is ill-advised.