14/06/2013
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Twenty-four suspects were arrested and 202 slave laborers – all Colombians – were freed during raids in a dozen provinces, the Federal Administration of Public Revenue (AFIP) said in a prepared statement.
Seventy-two raids, involving more than 500 members of security forces, took place simultaneously nationwide to dismantle a huge trafficking ring.
The leaders of the organization “were responsible for recruiting people to work clandestinely and in subhuman conditions” in different parts of the country, according to AFIP’s statement.
Director General of Customs Siomara Ayerán said the criminal organization allegedly recruited many of the 3,000 Colombians who entered Argentina illegally between 2009 and 2011. The migrants were forced to make baskets with plastic tape.
The suspects face between four and 15 years in prison if they are convicted of human trafficking.
[AFP (Argentina), 12/06/2013; Clarín (Argentina), 13/06/2013]