Police issue huge update after missing model, 20, was found at the side of a road with ‘broken spine and shattered limbs’
Authorities have released a major update in the disturbing case of 20-year-old model Maria Kovalchuk, whose disappearance and near-fatal injuries have sparked international concern.
Maria, known on Instagram as “Mary Lu,” vanished on March 9 after telling friends she was heading to a hotel party. Before she went missing, she also mentioned to her mother, Anna Kovalchuk, that she was staying with two men who introduced themselves as modeling agents. She had a flight booked to Thailand just days later—but she never made it to the airport.
For 10 days, there was no trace of her.
Maria Kovalchuk was found in Dubai. Credit: Instagram / ae3marylu
Then, on March 19, a horrific discovery was made. Maria was found lying near a Dubai roadside, unconscious and severely injured. Her spine was broken, her limbs shattered, and her body covered in wounds. Russian news outlets Shot and Life reported that she had allegedly been “dumped” there. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where doctors fought to save her life through multiple surgeries.
The case took a chilling turn when Ukrainian authorities announced they were investigating possible human trafficking.
Silence, Secrets, and Suspicion
Maria’s mother, Anna, who flew from Norway to be with her daughter, shared a brief update online:
“She is receiving medical treatment, and everything will be all right.”
But the reality behind the scenes seems far more ominous.
Maria was found without identification, without a phone, and—perhaps most disturbingly—without the ability to speak. Her mother wrote:
“Maria was eventually located in the hospital in serious condition. She has no documents, no phone, nothing. She underwent three, now four, operations. And she cannot speak.”
Then came the official explanation from Dubai Police. They claimed Maria had entered a “restricted construction site” alone and fallen “from a height,” sustaining her devastating injuries. Their statement urged the public to avoid speculation, emphasizing that authorities were working closely with the family.
A Story That Doesn’t Add Up
But Maria’s family isn’t buying it. Her mother has remained tight-lipped, saying only: “She cannot comment because of the investigation.”
As doubts over the official story grow, Ukrainian authorities have taken action. On March 29, the National Police of Ukraine’s main investigation department in the Lviv region—Maria’s home region—launched a “pre-trial investigation” into potential human trafficking, according to The Daily Mail.
No suspects have been named, and Ukrainian consular officials in Dubai have yet to respond to media inquiries.
A Darker Underbelly?
Whispers of an even more sinister connection have emerged. Speculation is mounting over a potential link to so-called “Porta Potty” parties—alleged secret gatherings in the Middle East where wealthy men and influencers engage in extreme exploitation and abuse.
While authorities piece together the truth, one thing is certain: Maria Kovalchuk’s case is far from closed.
Prominent lawyer Katya Gordon has spoken out about the dangers surrounding young women in the modeling industry, issuing a stark warning after 20-year-old model Maria Kovalchuk was found gravely injured on a Dubai roadside.
“The model was found dying on the side of the road in the UAE after a party with Arab sheiks,” Gordon told The Sun.
She also highlighted the dark world of so-called “Porta Potty” parties, a scandal that has been raging for over a year.
“There are videos circulating on the internet where sheiks allegedly beat girls, cut their hair and do all sorts of other things to them. Girls, women, and their mothers! Don’t go to such events for money – you could even get killed.”
Unanswered Questions and Growing Concerns
Maria’s case has sparked international outcry, drawing attention to the exploitation risks faced by young models and influencers abroad. While investigations in both Ukraine and Dubai remain ongoing, many questions about what happened to Maria between March 9 and March 19 remain unanswered.
“There is an assumption that she went to a party,” Anna said. “But the promoter who organised these parties did not see her.”
“Maria was eventually found in hospital in serious condition. She has no documents, no phone, nothing. She underwent three, now four, operations. And she cannot speak.”
Silence on Social Media, But Support Continues
Maria has not posted on social media since February, but well wishes continue to flood her Instagram account.
For now, she remains in stable condition as the investigations continue.
Featured image credit: Instagram / ae3marylu