By PETER GREEN
The Ministry of Homeland Security’s Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) says it is reviewing allegations of human trafficking raised in a Guardian newspaper report, assuring the public that the information has not been ignored and is now before the relevant authorities for assessment.
In a media release on Friday, the Ministry said the CTU had taken careful note of the Guardian newspaper report published on July 26, along with an accompanying video interview, which contained allegations of women being smuggled into Trinidad and Tobago and has since generated widespread public concern.
While the Unit said it could not comment on the accuracy of statements made through the media, it stressed that the allegations are serious and that the information is being reviewed to determine whether investigative or other legal action may be required.
The Ministry said all the allegations involving the recruitment, transportation, harbouring or receipt of persons for the purpose of exploitation, are treated seriously under the Trafficking in Persons Act and assessed in accordance with established investigative and legal procedures.
It added that every credible piece of information relating to suspected human trafficking has the potential to support intelligence gathering, ongoing inquiries or future investigations, regardless of when the alleged conduct may have occurred.
The CTU also noted the public concern generated by the report and encouraged anyone with additional information relating to the allegations, or any other suspected incidents of human trafficking, to contact the Unit.
Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, described the allegations as deeply concerning and said the Ministry does not ignore reports of this nature.
He said any allegation of trafficking in persons is referred through the appropriate channels for assessment and any action considered necessary under the law.
Alexander reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that traffickers are brought to justice while victims receive the protection and support they deserve.
The Ministry highlighted that the Counter Trafficking Unit, established in 2013, continues to work alongside the Police Service, Immigration Division, the Defence Force and international partners to identify victims, investigate offences and prosecute traffickers.
It also pointed to the Operation Iceberg in Tobago six days ago, which resulted in three arrests, including a member of the Defence Force, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks and protect vulnerable persons.
The Ministry is urging anyone with information that may assist investigators to report it confidentially to the Counter Trafficking Unit, assuring the public that all reports will be handled sensitively and in accordance with the law.
