A CHILD prostitution ring where 250 underage sex slaves were branded with tattoos by their "owners" has been smashed in dramatic raids.

Cops arrested 18 people after dozens of underage girls were recruited for sex parties under the pretence of getting modelling work in the Columbian resort of Cartagena.

Of those seized "Madame" Liliana del Carmen Campos Puello and several unnamed Israelis were believed to be the network's ringleaders.

They allegedly raped and tattooed all their underage victims, aged between 14 and 17.

Campos Puello was said to be responsible for recruiting the girls from poor neighbourhoods from Columbia and Venezuela.

She allegedly helped them with passports and sent them money for expenses.

But when the girls arrived, they were reportedly stripped of their documents and possessions and forced into prostitution.

The girls were allegedly showcased in catalogues and forced to attend parties on luxury yachts and hotels.

According to reports, at least 250 minors were lured to Cartagena in one year, in what is being called the city's largest sexual exploitation case.

Campos Puello hired the girls and introduced them to the clients.

Before each event, the madame would always select the best-suited girls from their list.

tree
The Attorney General's Office said: "The Madame has a criminal record for heroin trafficking and illegal entrance into the United States.

"Additionally, she was in charge of operating a prostitution service in the beach area, as well as using international contacts to organise events where the girls were forced to perform."

The investigation continues.