I was interested to read your report Prostitution ring busted' (Times Series, April 24), having recently read Ending Slavery: How We Free Today's Slaves', by Kevin Bales.

The story you published appears to reflect some of the scenarios described by Bales, and demonstrates how slavery is still a reality in today's world.

I would surmise that, in the case described in your article, the "debt" was a mere pretext to keep these women at work.

Violence, or the threat of violence, was probably being used to prevent the women from getting legal or practical help, and they would not have had the English language skills to learn about their rights.

I am the chairman of a Hendon Jewish group called Ohel Avraham (Hebrew for Abraham's Tent').

We are planning a series of study sessions in which we will examine the incidence of slavery in today's world and the perspectives offered by Jewish teachings.

We will be looking at ancient and modern texts. If any of your readers are interested in participating in these sessions, then they are welcome to contact me at Ohel Avraham. They can email info@ohelavraham. org.uk or call 020 8202 8021.

Leonora Samuel, Haslemere Avenue, Hendon