Boston Police recently arrested nine men in an undercover prostitution sting operation centered around the South Bay Mall and nearby hotels. According to officials, the July 24 operation was designed to target individuals attempting to exploit vulnerable women through the commercial sex trade. The arrests were the result of a broader investigation by the Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit, which received tips that women in the area were being victimized by organized criminal networks. Undercover officers posed as sex workers, both online and in person, to apprehend the suspects.
Eight men were charged with the misdemeanor offense of “sex for a fee,” while a ninth, Raj Kumar Sah, was charged with felony enticement of a child under 16. Authorities allege Sah responded to an online ad posted by law enforcement and offered $300 to an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old girl. Sah was arrested at the Home2 Suites by Hilton and has since been terminated from his research position at Boston Children’s Hospital. Another defendant, Juan Jose Galdamez Surio, was arrested after attempting to flee police at a Holiday Inn Express and now faces additional charges of shoplifting and resisting arrest.
While sting operations like this aim to disrupt trafficking and exploitation, they can also spark controversy, particularly when claims of mistaken identity arise. One man, Mohamed Djadoune, who was visiting Boston with a delegation from Algeria, insists he was wrongly arrested. His attorney says Djadoune was approached by an undercover officer at a hotel and arrested despite having no connection to the alleged communications. Djadoune voluntarily unlocked his phone for police, which reportedly contained no relevant messages, and his lawyer has asked that the case be dismissed.
Sting operations can result in real consequences for those charged — including fines, jail time, damage to professional reputations, and immigration complications for foreign nationals. While these efforts play a role in dismantling trafficking networks, they also underscore the need for careful procedures and accurate identification. As the cases progress through the legal system, they will serve as a reminder of both the power and pitfalls of using undercover tactics to combat exploitation.
At Dhar Law, LLP, our firm has extensive experience defending individuals charged with sex charges and other related sexual offenses. We understand the stakes, and we know how to build a strategic defense in even the most complex cases.
Contact us today at 617-880-6155 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you navigate charges and fight for your rights and your future.
