Authorities in Senegal have dismantled a major transnational sex trafficking network spanning Nigeria, Benin, and Senegal, leading to the arrest of a woman believed to be the ringleader.
The operation in the village of Kharakhéna, in the southeastern region of Kédougou, resulted in the liberation of ten young Nigerian girls, including several minors, who had been subjected to sexual exploitation.
The regional branch of the National Division for the Fight against Migrant Trafficking and Related Practices (DNLT) led the crackdown, revealing a chilling system where each victim was coerced into repaying two million CFA francs (over 3,000 US dollars) to their exploiter as reimbursement for their journey from Nigeria.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to having “bought” each girl for 600,000 CFA francs (around 1,000 US dollars) in Nigeria before orchestrating their transport to Senegal with the assistance of accomplices operating in Nigeria and Benin.
Investigators uncovered a sophisticated criminal network involving multiple intermediaries who provided false identity documents and facilitated the victims’ movement across borders. This complex web underscores the challenges faced by authorities in combating human trafficking in the region.
The suspect was presented to the public prosecutor at the Kédougou High Court on July 30, while the rescued victims were placed in a reception centre where they are receiving care and support.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by Senegalese authorities to tackle human trafficking, shedding light on the vulnerable populations exploited by transnational criminal organisations and the urgent need for continued vigilance and cross-border cooperation.
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