A trial is currently unfolding in the German courts concerning a trans person who is biologically male, identified as ‘Arbend’, accused of aiding an elderly man in exploiting young girls. The 81-year-old millionaire, known as Helmut D., is cited as the main perpetrator, with charges ranging from child pornography and human trafficking to forced prostitution. Germany’s strict privacy laws prohibit the full identification of the defendants, although they’ve been fully named in overseas publications.
Arbend, who is 31, is accused of supplying Helmut D. with minors for sexual exploitation. The victims are alleged to be as young as eight. In a damning indictment, the prosecution claims that Helmut D. had been conducting searches online for over a decade, seeking mothers who would be complicit in lending their prepubescent daughters to him for abuse in exchange for large sums. When his property and premises were searched, investigators reportedly uncovered a plethora of disturbing video and photo evidence that they believe indicate broad-scale child exploitation.
Arbend, identified as a makeup artist, reportedly lodged a complaint about his imprisonment in a male prison, asserting his “trans-woman” status. Both defendants allegedly conspired to commit further, combined sexual acts with multiple children, but it is believed these plans were not actualised. German news outlet Rheinische Post further reported allegations of a few instances where mothers transferred their children directly to Helmut D. for him to exploit in exchange for substantial payments.
The disturbing details of the charges kept the court engaged for over an hour. Komissar Braumandl, the presiding judge, has scheduled over 30 days of hearings through 2025. The defendants chose to remain silent when presented with the extensive list of charges.