Four Chinese nationals have been detained and 39 Indonesian nationals rescued after police raided a downtown Port Moresby residence yesterday and allegedly uncovered an international human trafficking operation.
Acting on intelligence developed by the RPNGC Transnational Crime Directorate, police executed search warrants at the three-bedroom property and found 39 Indonesians — five women and 34 men — allegedly confined inside.
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Police allege the victims were recruited through social media with false offers of employment before being held against their will as part of a people-smuggling operation.
Commissioner of Police David Manning in a statement yesterday condemned the alleged criminal enterprise and said police would pursue those responsible.
“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 39 victims remained 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 raid was an important success against 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, with police saying further information will be released at an appropriate time.