A bridegroom has been arrested after forcing his fiancee into prostitution so that they had enough money to pay for their wedding.

The incident happened in East Cikarang, West Java, Indonesia, where the 26-year-old suspect, named as A.K., was arrested on 29th July following a sting operation at a hotel in the Sukaratu area.

Police said the man used dating apps to arrange encounters for his 25-year-old partner, identified only as D.A.A., charging IDR 500,000 (GBP 23) per client.

Picture shows the suspect A.K., standing behind police officers, undated. He was arrested for forcing his girlfriend in prostitution in Cikarang, Indonesia. Note: Image is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash/NX)

Over a two-month period, she was sold 17 times while under pressure to help finance their future marriage.

The couple had reportedly been together for around six months, and officers said the abuse escalated as the man began threatening and assaulting the woman when she refused to continue.

She eventually contacted police, who posed as customers to catch the suspect in the act.

Police Chief AKP Sugiharto said the man not only arranged meetings but also beat the woman when she resisted, and described her as being under physical and psychological pressure.

Officers said the victim suffered facial injuries and was too scared to refuse his demands.

The man was caught with evidence including his mobile phone and screenshots of chats used to arrange the meetings.

He faces charges under laws covering assault and prostitution, which carry a jail term of up to one year and four months.

(Mike Leidig / newsX)