Venezuelan Yilfrenth Alisson Ramirez Diaz was today remanded into custody after appearing in court on Human Trafficking charges.

Diaz, 29, was charged with receiving and transporting for the purpose of sexual exploitation contrary to Section 16 of the Trafficking in Persons Act 12:10, Transporting for the purpose of exploiting the prostitution of another, contrary to Section 23 of the Trafficking in Persons Act 12:10 and Procuration for prostitution contrary to section 17 of the Sexual Offences Act 11:28.

Following information received, an operation was carried out on July 12th, where a vehicle was intercepted and two Venezuelans were arrested. Further investigations were carried out involving the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) and the Special Investigations Task Force (SITF).

The exercise was coordinated by DCP Mc Donald Jacob and Senior Supt Christopher Paponette and spearheaded by Supt Michael Veronique with legal assistance and advice from legal officer, Zaheer Ali.

After receiving legal advice, Diaz was charged with the three offences. He was not called upon to plead when he appeared before Magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gafoor at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court today.

He was remanded into custody and the matter was adjourned to August 13th.