Global human trafficking roundup (Examiner.com)

Global human trafficking roundup
October 21st, 2010 10:22 am ET
Youngbee Kim
Human Rights Examiner

NORTH AMERICA

Missouri: The trafficker who exploited immigrant workers with labor in Wyoming and 13 other states signed a plea agreement.He agreed to spend 10 years in jail and fully cooperate with federal authorities in providing information involving conspiracy. If he fail to cooperate fully, he will face 12 years in jail.

Canada: An alleged trafficker who brought workers from his home country, Hungary to Canada was granted bail. The number of victims by his trafficking ring was allegedly grown to 19, according to the report. His wife and son however are remanded in custody. He is ordered to remain in his residence and make no contact with alleged victims. He is also facing nine outstanding charges regarding immigration and Refugee Act.

Florida: A Fort Myers woman was arrested on domestic human trafficking charges. Police says that she forced four children into prostitution and drug dealing. If the children refused to comply, they were subject to beating with broomsticks and hangers. On one occasion, she beat a child with hammer, according to the report. The woman also left children unsupervised for hours without any food. A 35 year old woman gets 7 year jail term for smuggling and forcing her two Honduran sisters to work at a bar. The arrest was made after the police received the report on two women being forced to work at a bar to pay off their smuggling debts. Prosecutors also said that she forced the two women to drink, dance naked, and submit to men who fondled them at bars.

California: Police arrested two women during the undercover cop sting at local massage parlors. The police raid resulted from a large number of complaints from local residents on massage parlors. The report also indicates the ubiquity of brothels disguised as massage parlors in Redondo beach area. Though a john claims that these women work at their own will to support their family, police says it is more common for these women to work to pay of smuggling debts at a massage parlor. A man was sentenced 3 years in jail for pimping on 18 year old girl. He was also ordered to surrender $4000, his Cadillac, and laptop that he was carrying when he was arrested. The prosecutor said that because the victim was uncooperative, it was difficult for the prosecutor to press charges against the man. She also stated that given the circumstance, she considers outcome as positive.