Rescue Operations Across Peru
In a series of operations that stretched across two weeks, the National Police of Peru discovered and rescued 573 victims of human trafficking, including 67 minors who were subjected to sexual exploitation. Around 100 suspects were arrested during these operations that spanned the capital city of Lima and several other regions of the country.
Carlos Malaver, head of the Directorate against Human Trafficking and Illicit Trafficking of Migrants of the National Police, reported that these operations led to the dismantling of seven gangs dedicated to human trafficking. A total of 106 individuals were arrested, 16 of whom had previous criminal records and outstanding arrest warrants.
Victims and their Plight
Since July 14, a total of 573 victims have been rescued, 67 of whom are minors. These victims were primarily forced into prostitution and were predominantly of foreign origin, hailing from countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador.
These victims were exploited by traffickers who charged them between 15 and 20 thousand soles (4,100 to 5,500 dollars) to be transported from Venezuela to Peru. Upon arrival, they were subjected to sexual exploitation. The traffickers used a variety of methods to capture their victims, including false job offers, seduction, and the creation of false identities on the internet and social networks.
Link to Notorious Criminal Organisation
Some of the dismantled gangs have links to the notorious criminal organization known as the Aragua Train from Venezuela. This group has been identified by leading nations as a terrorist group, further highlighting the complexity and severity of the human trafficking issue in Peru.
Criminal Penalties for Human Trafficking
In Peru, human trafficking is a serious crime, punishable by up to 12 years in prison. If the victim is a minor, the penalty increases to 25 years in prison, reflecting the country’s commitment to combating this horrific crime and protecting its most vulnerable citizens.
Efforts Against Human Trafficking
So far this year, the police have dismantled 39 gangs, rescued 1,900 victims, and arrested 180 people. In the latest operation alone, 78 victims of trafficking were discovered in central Lima and the districts of San Martín de Porres and Los Olivos.
These efforts reflect the country’s ongoing battle against human trafficking, a crime that not only violates human rights but also fosters instability and insecurity. The operations carried out by the Peruvian National Police are crucial in disrupting the activities of these criminal networks, rescuing victims, and bringing perpetrators to justice.
International Cooperation
International law enforcement operations have also been instrumental in combating human trafficking in Peru. For instance, a binational law enforcement operation involving the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Peruvian National Police resulted in the arrest of six individuals involved in sex trafficking and the rescue of 36 victims, including 11 minors.
This collaboration exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in the global fight against human trafficking, a crime that transcends borders and affects every region of the world.
Conclusion
The issue of human trafficking in Peru is a pressing concern that requires concerted efforts from not only the government and law enforcement agencies but also the community at large. The recent operations carried out by the Peruvian National Police symbolize an important step forward in eradicating this crime, but there is still much work to be done. The battle against human trafficking continues, with the ultimate goal of protecting the rights and freedoms of all individuals.
BYBNN NEWSROOMJULY 26, 2023
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