After years of litigation, Heerlen professional boxer Gevorg K. (32) must still serve nearly two years in prison. The former world champion was convicted of human trafficking.
at was already so in 2013, but the Armenian-born man appealed and then appealed in cassation. In the meantime, he was at large.
New evidence
That led to nothing. His sentence stands. "We are considering further steps," attorney Dirk Daamen informs. "The final step is a review request, but that is only possible if new evidence is brought to the table. We need to have another good discussion about that." If new evidence or new statements come on the table, the case can be referred back to the Court of Appeal in Den Bosch.
Buy Prostitute
Gevorg maintains that he had nothing to do with human trafficking, Daamen said. He came into the picture in 2011 after a Latvian prostitute and her client filed a report. They said they had been extorted and assaulted by three men on June 6, 2011. The customer had fallen in love with the prostitute and therefore would have to pay 5,000 euros to buy her.
Daughter beheaded
If he did not pay the amount of money, the men would behead his infant daughter. At least that is what the customer stated to the police. Gevorg admitted that he was present at the incident, but he would not have known what his companions were planning. Because the judge found no evidence of that either, he was acquitted of extortion and assault.
1,500 euros per woman
He allegedly did engage in human trafficking, along with the two other men. In a tap conversation, his companion talks about buying women for 1,500 euros each. Moreover, the Latvian prostitute explains how she came to the Netherlands from her own country, was placed in a Roermond home and found Gevorg there. She was put to work with other women in sex clubs in Heerlen, Kerkrade, Linne and Roermond and clubs in Belgium and Germany.
Not a classic human trafficker
So after years of legal battle, he must still serve time for human trafficking. One of his companions was more successful in cassation. The case of this Sergei N. is now being reviewed by the Court, confirms lawyer. "He is particularly concerned about the sentence imposed, which is disproportionate to the role he had," says counsel. "He does not see himself as a 'classic' human trafficker, someone who exploits women."
Two world titles
At the age of 13, Gevorg moved from Armenia to Heerlen to work on his pro career. Seven years after that move, he made his debut as a professional boxer. He has since won two world titles (IBO super featherweight under 24 in 2011 and WBF super middleweight in 2014) and knuckled down to 29 victories in 32 bouts. Fourteen times he won by knockout.
