A combined effort by law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of five individuals suspected of involvement in a human trafficking ring in Suriname.
The arrests were made by officers from the Trafficking In Persons (TIP) unit, Intelligence from the Combating Serious Crime structure (BZC), and Region West.
Reports are that the operation was initiated when a foreign national approached the Bikers Unit in Paramaribo.
She revealed her escape from a bar-dancing venue, where she was forced into sex work. This revelation prompted the TIP unit to launch an investigation.
Deceptive practices in Nickerie District
During the investigation, the police discovered that the woman, together with 11 others from Cuba and two from Venezuela, were housed in a bar dancing in the Nickerie district to perform sex work.
Deceptively lured to Suriname, these victims were lodged in rooms linked to the bar. They were obligated to pay for their accommodations and to entertain clients, with the revenue generated going directly to the club’s owner.
Raid and rescue
With collaborative efforts from other law enforcement agencies, the Nickerie venue was pinpointed and raided.
This raid resulted in the rescue of 13 women from Venezuela and Cuba, who were subsequently placed in a protective shelter.
It was revealed that their travel expenses to Suriname had been footed by the club owner.
Group of suspects
Reports are that three suspects were arrested during the raid and the fourth and fifth suspects were subsequently arrested.
The police said the suspects include a Surinamese, his life partner who is from Venezuela, and three women of Cuban descent.
