In the fight against human trafficking, it can be easy to focus on caricatures of what traffickers look like: the man lurking in the shadows or parked in a white van. But the reality is that exploitation can be perpetrated by the most unlikely people.
Aahi* was 50 years old. She lived in a small apartment in a big city in India. Aahi worked as a caretaker for two older people who had cancer. No one, not even her landlord, knew about the illicit side hustle she was operating in the same apartment.
Aahi was trafficking teenage girls for sex. She managed to ensnare a 15-year-old girl and put her on the market, offering a full day of access for the equivalent of $584. Customers were invited to do whatever they wanted with the girl.
The Exodus Road’s India team was in a conference room for strategic meetings when a tip came in. Immediately, their priorities shifted. They contacted local police partners and presented all of the information they had. They quickly gathered some comfort items for the survivor: food, clothes, and some basic hygiene supplies.
Law enforcement moved on the apartment.
When they arrived at the apartment, Aahi guessed what might be happening. She tried to escape out the back door — but law enforcement was ready and waiting. They apprehended her, taking her into custody. She is facing three different serious trafficking-related charges, which will make it nearly impossible for her to get bail. Police were also able to arrest one of her accomplices.
Meanwhile, the teenage girl was immediately eager to help by giving her testimony, despite the chaos around her. She is committed to seeing justice for those who exploited her. Authorities have placed her under the care of social welfare, where she will receive continued aftercare support.
Image representative. No one, not even Aahi’s landlord, knew about the illicit side hustle she was operating out of her unassuming apartment.
This case was a quick success for several crucial reasons: the team’s willingness to look beneath the surface at an unlikely suspect, agility in adjusting priorities to respond quickly, and the survivor’s own courage in helping law enforcement gather evidence against her abuser.
Our team in India is able to do this work because of your steady support. Thank you for empowering them to act decisively in the fight against trafficking!
