COMMISSIONER of Police David Manning has announced the disruption of an alleged international human trafficking operation in Port Moresby, with four Chinese nationals detained as police prepare a range of serious charges.
Acting on intelligence developed by the RPNGC Transnational Crime Directorate, police executed search warrants at a downtown Port Moresby residence this morning and located 39 Indonesian victims—five women and 34 men—confined inside a three-bedroom property.
It is alleged that the 39 individuals were approached through social media with false offers of employment, and subsequently held against their will as part of a complex people-smuggling enterprise.
Commissioner Manning condemned the criminal enterprise which sought to profit from the exploitation of vulnerable people
“There will be no leniency for those who traffic and exploit people. RPNGC Investigators are committed to ensuring that every offender identified through this investigation is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we will seek penalties that reflect the seriousness of these crimes,” Commissioner Manning said.
“Investigators are tracing the movements and connections of the alleged traffickers, including members of the network operating both within Papua New Guinea and overseas. We expect this work to lead to further arrests.”
Commissioner Manning said the safety, welfare and dignity of the victims remain the immediate priority, with the Papua New Guinea Government working closely with the Embassy of Indonesia.
“Consular support has been provided to all 39 victims. Papua New Guinea Government agencies, including health professionals and the Department of Foreign Affairs, are also providing the necessary assistance.
“It is deeply disturbing that such alleged crimes could occur in our country. At the same time, we commend the professional RPNGC investigators that located these victims and brought them to safety.
“Papua New Guinea is founded on Christian values, respect for the law and, above all, respect for the dignity of every person.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Operations, Donald Yamasombi, who led the operation, said the outcome marked an important success against the serious threat of transnational crime.
“Initial inquiries indicate that those detained may be connected to a wider transnational human trafficking syndicate operating between Southeast Asia and the Pacific,” DCP Yamasombi said.
“The RPNGC will work closely with international policing partners to support efforts to identify and dismantle any offshore components of this criminal network.”
“Human trafficking is a grave crime that police agencies around the world take seriously. The RPNGC will continue working with international partners to identify offenders, dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable people.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Further information will be released at an appropriate time.