New Trend? Trafficking to Japan
On Saturday, the 4th of February, the officers of the Phnom Penh Department of Anti Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police (AHTJP) together with AIM SWAT officers arrested 3 suspects accused of trafficking up to 10 Khmer women to Japan for sex.
The investigation commenced following a raid in Japan at a restaurant where the women were being forced to have sex with customers. The victims were repatriated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Both IOM and the Phnom Penh AHTJP requested that AIM SWAT assist in providing aftercare and legal services for the victims. We were also asked to assist with the police investigation.
The arrests were made following weeks of physical and electronic surveillance. All three have subsequently been charged with trafficking-related offences and remanded to prison to await trial. All victims are being represented by the AIM SWAT Legal Team and our Aftercare Team is working with the women to help source employment within Cambodia.
This case made international news. Read 2 of the multitudes of reports below:
- Trio Arrested for Trafficking Women to Japan for Sex Work
- Alleged Traffickers Worked at ‘Cosplay’ Japanese Bar in Phnom Penh
For more information about AIM SWAT Team and the work they do, click HERE.