Our latest AIM SWAT raid stemmed from a case where a 15-year-old girl was rescued from a brothel by AHTJP Police and AIM SWAT earlier in the year. She reported to AIM social workers that she had been sold for her virginity during the previous year and was concerned her 13-year-old sister would fall prey to the same traffickers and also be sold.
A surveillance operation lasting over 2 months revealed that her sister had indeed been sold. Around mid-day on Thursday, October 12th, Phnom Penh Municipal Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police (AHTJP), supported by AIM SWAT officers, swooped in to arrest the 3 brokers allegedly involved in the sale of young virgin girls to rich clients for sex. The 3 suspects were arrested at the scene of the raid in Phnom Penh and the 13-year-old was rescued.
During interviews with police, the suspects made partial admissions of their crimes and were detained for court appearances where they were charged with child sex trafficking related offences and remanded in prison for trial. According to AHTJP Police, those individuals in this trafficking network are believed to have been involved in selling virgin girls for many years.
The rescued girl was transferred to AIM Restoration Home where she is receiving professional aftercare services and has been reunited with her older sister.