Three men—Felise Falanai, 32, Nishanth Parakudiyil Prahladan, 24, and Shubham Choudhary, 28—were sentenced to home detention after pleading guilty to receiving commercial sexual services from a 13-year-old girl, an offense carrying a maximum penalty of seven years under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003.
The sentencing took place on February 21, 2025, in Rotorua District Court before Judge Greg Hollister-Jones, who described the case as “profoundly disturbing,” highlighting the exploitation by pimp Clayton Fox, previously jailed for running an illegal prostitution ring involving teenagers.
Falanai, Prahladan, and Choudhary received sentences of eight months, six months and two weeks, and seven months of home detention respectively, after discounts for guilty pleas, remorse, and good character, despite attempts by Prahladan and Choudhary for discharges without conviction citing personal and professional consequences.
The judge declined reparation to the victim, expressing concern over where the money might end up.Two other men linked to the case died before sentencing, and three others awaiting trial in July have pleaded not guilty.
Image credit: Katrin Bolovtsova
