Authorities reported a case where social media was used to recruit women who later worked as companions for men of varying ages at a famous Madrid nightclub. Investigators found that managers directed how these women should dress, which clients they should attract, and how they should interact with patrons, shaping behavior to maximize profits and appeal.
Spanish national police have detained the nightclub’s owner, Opium, a well known venue frequented by celebrities and athletes in Madrid, on charges of exploiting at least 22 young women aged 20 to 30 as “image girls.” The aim was to draw male clients into the club. The arresting authorities described the man as Spanish, 58 years old, with no prior criminal records.
The inspection conducted on December 3 by the Provincial Brigade of Immigration and Borders of the Madrid Police Chief’s Office occurred at the club, located in the Chamberí district. Officials identified 66 employees and reviewed working conditions, noting that many of the young women worked without contracts and without being registered with social security.
“Encouraging Reserved Spaces”
The women were required to wear provocative outfits and present a close and cheerful, even suggestive, demeanor to male clubgoers. They were the main draw for patrons, and in exchange for amounts between 50 and 80 euros, the women offered company and services throughout the night, according to police findings.
Investigators documented that the club supervisor and hired staff instructed the women to encourage the booking of private spaces inside the venue and to maximize in house product consumption.
Hundreds on Standby
Police sources indicate that the women were recruited by club staff, with some recruitment through social media platforms such as Instagram. Recruits were asked to submit full body photographs, and once approved, they joined a pool of about 200 women managed through a messaging app group.
On a single night, as many as one hundred women could be present at the club to provide services, according to police sources.
Pioneering Operation
The nightclub owner, detained in late May, faces charges related to workers’ rights violations. Besides the 22 identified young women, four were found to be in an irregular situation in national territory, resulting in 21 additional infractions for non compliance with labor and immigration regulations.
This case stands as one of the earliest police actions aimed at curbing offenses within the nightlife sector. Police sources note a rising trend in irregular contracts for young women hired as “image girls” in Madrid’s nightlife venues. The objective is to prevent business owners from exploiting young women and to push for regularization of their status. [Source: National Police]