Trafficking Ring Dismantled, Manta, Ecuador

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Manta, Ecuador – In a significant breakthrough, detectives from Ecuador’s National Investigation Unit Against Human Trafficking and Illicit Smuggling of Migrants, with support from the Children’s International Rescue Foundation, conducted a targeted surveillance operation in the coastal city of Manta, uncovering a sophisticated human trafficking network. The criminal organization, embedded within the local banking sector, preyed on vulnerable young women, coercing them through force and intimidation into sexual exploitation for profit.

The traffickers employed chilling tactics, including abducting girls directly from school, sedating them, and transporting them to a nearby motel where they were abused by clients. To facilitate their crimes, the perpetrators supplied victims with falsified adult identification cards to evade detection. Among the suspects identified was a former police officer, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation. Authorities also discovered that one suspect is a fugitive wanted under an Interpol warrant.

The operation culminated in the rescue of two young women, who have been placed under the care of specialized Aftercare organizations to begin their recovery process. The dismantling of this dangerous network marks a critical step in protecting Manta’s community from further exploitation.

“We are deeply grateful for the support that enabled our team to disrupt this heinous operation and provide safety and hope to the victims,” said a spokesperson for the National Investigation Unit. The collaborative effort underscores the importance of international partnerships in combating human trafficking and ensuring justice for survivors.