After 20 year old Ukrainian OnlyFans model, Maria Kovalchuk, was found battered in the streets of Dubai, Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai , has reminded us that the UAE is not as “crime free” as it is made out to be. Stirling, who has worked with many women who have experienced violence or injustice in the UAE, says the case highlights a wider pattern of abuse that is too often silenced, ignored and absolutely not included in crime statistics.
“Dubai is relentlessly marketed as a safe, glamorous, crime-free destination, but for many women, the reality has been one of trauma, injustice and silence. Over the years, I’ve worked with numerous women who have been raped, drugged, assaulted or abducted in the UAE, and then treated as criminals themselves when they tried to report it.
“The latest case, involving a Ukrainian OnlyFans model who was found injured and distressed in the street after reportedly meeting a man who claimed to have powerful connections, is deeply concerning. Tragically, the circumstances echo a well-established pattern in the UAE, where serious incidents involving women are rarely reflected in official statistics, and alleged perpetrators often face no consequences due to influence, connections, or official indifference.
“It is not uncommon in the UAE for women to be lured under false pretences and then coerced or even forced into unwanted sexual acts. Those who commit such abuses often face no consequences, while victims are left in extremely vulnerable positions, frequently threatened with police complaints or arrest by influential individuals if they attempt to report the crime. Women need to be aware that real risks do exist, and for many, these encounters have ended in violence. Such cases are rarely reflected in the UAE’s official crime statistics, and embassies typically fail to issue any warnings about these dangers prior to travel.
“Apprentice TV star, Selina Waterman-Smith, was abducted then gang-raped in Dubai and bravely spoke out, only to be met with disbelief and silence from authorities. Instead of investigating and prosecuting her attackers, the system sought to suppress her story. It was only through her tenacious pursuit of justice that her assailants were ultimately convicted. Roxanne Hillier, a South African woman, was imprisoned for ‘adultery’ even though medical examinations confirmed there had been no sexual activity. In both cases, and many others, women were punished, not protected.
“Many victims have been too frightened to report assault or rape to authorities, fully aware that they may themselves, face arrest. Instead, they have confided their abuse in us or in some cases, spoken to media after their safe return home.
“Dubai’s justice system routinely fails victims of sexual violence, especially foreign women. Many are too frightened to report crimes at all, knowing they risk arrest under outdated morality laws that criminalise sex outside of marriage (if married), sex in certain locations and adultery, regardless of consent. Some victims are drugged in hotels, wake up traumatised, and are told by police that they will be charged if they file a complaint.
This cannot continue. The UAE must be held accountable for whitewashing its reputation while sweeping serious crimes under the rug. Until women can report sexual assault without fear of reprisal, and until perpetrators are prosecuted regardless of their status, Dubai cannot claim to be a safe destination. Real reform is long overdue. Tourists and expats should not be under the misapprehension that Dubai is “safe” when serious and violent attacks continue to occur”.
Stirling added that she hoped Ms Kovalchuk has medical insurance as she will not be able to leave the country unless the hospital bills are paid.
Stirling has represented numerous women over the past 17 years, including Princess Latifa and most recently, domestic assault victim Tori Towey, who was charged with attempted suicide after fleeing violence. “There is a perception that Dubai has changed, that its improved but the only reason for that is the unlimited marketing budget and state controlled media”.
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