Nearly a dozen freed from a sophisticated trafficking operation run by a family in Latin America

All trafficking is tragic. It’s especially tragic when exploitation becomes a multi-generational pattern.

In this case, parents had involved their children in the illegal business of trafficking young women whom they recruited through false job offers. Some of their targets were migrants from war-torn Venezuela, women and girls particularly vulnerable to the promise of stable income.

The family was connected to a larger criminal network with more than one location operating to exploit these women and girls. The only way The Exodus Road’s global investigative team and Latin American law enforcement were able to act was because the first couple of survivors they freed had the courage to provide detailed, clear testimony about how the network was operating. 

The family was connected to a larger criminal network with more than one location operating to exploit these women and girls. (Image representative)

When law enforcement and our teams mobilized, they were ultimately able to free nearly a dozen women and girls — survivors who were shocked, having never believed there was hope for their abusive circumstances to change. Our team provided them with food, immediate, tangible nourishment after horrible trauma. Their rights have been restored, and they’re under the care of government agencies. 

A handful of individuals involved in the operation, including the family, were arrested. The result is the total closure of the trafficking operation’s locations while the perpetrators face trial by the Office of the Attorney General. 

Tragedy takes its first steps towards triumph through the courage of survivors, the compassionate persistence of investigators, strong communication with law enforcement, and you — an essential supporter of The Exodus Road’s work. Thank you!