As we begin 2022, AIM SWAT has hit the ground running in assisting local police in investigating cases, rescuing survivors, and arresting perpetrators of trafficking.
With this great start, we pray for continued success and for justice to prevail throughout 2022. It’s only with the support of our generous community that AIM SWAT is able to do what they do and help equip local police to fight trafficking. Thank you! Read on to hear the stories from this season…
Want to learn more about the vital work our SWAT Team does? Click here!
AIM SWAT RAIDS
5 rescued + 1 arrested
JANUARY 9, 2022
On January 19th, AIM SWAT assisted local police in the raid of a brothel fronting as a massage parlor in central Phnom Penh, pictured here. Covert surveillance had confirmed that minors were being sold for sex on the premises. 2 minors and 3 adults were rescued! One suspect was arrested and, after evidence was gathered and processed, the brothel was closed.
During interviews, all of the survivors told police that they were sold for the profit of the suspect. The suspect also admitted to this and has been charged with child sex trafficking-related offenses. They will await trial from prison. All of the survivors are being cared for by partner aftercare providers in the area. AIM’s legal team will represent all survivors during further court proceedings.
Police at the scene.
4 rescued + 1 arrested
JANUARY 28, 2022
When a 13-year-old ran away from home, worried parents contacted police when they found out she was working at a brothel. After confirming this information, AIM SWAT assisted police in Siem Reap in detaining a female suspect on suspicion of running this brothel. During the raid 4 minor girls were rescued, including the 13-year-old. After detaining the suspect and gathering evidence, the brothel was closed for good!
During her interview, the girl explained that she had left home following a family argument and had been persuaded to work at the brothel by the suspect. The other three survivors provided similar testimonies. The suspect was charged with child sex trafficking-related offenses and will remain in prison while awaiting trial. AIM’s legal team will represent all the survivors throughout the forthcoming court proceedings.
*Survivors not pictured.
6 rescued + 1 arrested
FEBRUARY 10, 2022
On February 10th, AIM SWAT helped local police shut down a brothel fronting as a massage parlor in southern Phnom Penh. During the raid, 3 minors and 3 adults were rescued! This operation was the result of covert surveillance, which confirmed that minors were being sold at the site.
After searching the premises, police arrested one female suspect and shut down the brothel for good! All of the survivors told police that they were forced to have sex with customers to the profit of the suspect. She has been charged with child sex trafficking-related offenses.
All survivors are being cared for by AIM’s Restoration Programs – the minors went to our Restoration Home, and the adults went to our transitional home in Phnom Penh. Our legal team will assist them in the upcoming court cases.
Scene of the raid.
2 new staff join aim’s swat team
This year, AIM’s SWAT Team created a new position that has likely never been seen in Cambodia. Ny Soda and Vann Tola will be Victim Advocates, working with survivors and their families as they prepare for court hearings and trials. These new team members will be the liaison between clients, aftercare NGOs, and our legal team. This is an incredibly important role, not just for helping and supporting survivors through this difficult period, but to ensure proper conviction of their traffickers.
We are excited for Soda and Tola and the help they will bring to our team and the survivors we work with. We are thankful for their hearts and passion for this fight against trafficking!