Human Trafficking Ring In Southern Europe Dismantled
Faizan Hashmi Published March 06, 2021 | 01:20 AM
Montpellier, France, March 5 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Mar, 2021 ) :A sophisticated human trafficking network has been dismantled across four European countries, with around 30 victims from South America and Romania rescued, French prosecutors announced on Friday.
Thirteen people were arrested simultaneously on Tuesday in Spain, Italy, Romania and France, said Fabrice Belargent, prosecutor in the southern French city of Montpellier.
An investigation into aggravated pimping and human trafficking involving an organised gang has been opened.
The prosecutor said the "particularly sophisticated" network included Romanian and Colombian nationals.
"The victims were recruited in their country, attracted by the hope of a better future, and brought to France," said Belargent.
"Then they were locked in AirBnB type apartments under threat to their person and their family." He said they were also kept under camera surveillance.
Thirty-three victims -- Colombians, Dominicans, Paraguayans and Romanians aged 18 to 35 -- have so far been identified and taken in by welfare associations.
Two people have been charged in France while in Italy and Romania two others were arrested. Eight Colombians were arrested in Spain.
All are subject to European arrest warrants and await possible extradition to France.
A hotelier from the French city of Perpignan was held and released but will be prosecuted separately there.
The investigation began in June 2020 when two young Colombian women came forward in Montpellier after fleeing an apartment where they had been held and forced into prostitution for several weeks.
Investigators uncovered a network with locations in France and Barcelona, Spain, with nearly all profits transferred to Romania and Colombia.
Only a small amount was given to the young women.
The prosecutor said a system of rotating the victims between cities was aimed at destabilising them.
Locations in at least 17 French cities were sed, he said.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
SC orders end of encroachments in Karachi
Nazish Jahangir denies viral screenshots, calls them fake
Govt likely to hike electricity price once again
Bismah Maroof announces immediate retirement from international cricket
Malala expresses unwavering support for Gaza people
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performanc ..
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
4 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
6 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
16 days ago