7-7-2023 (BANGKOK) Thai police have apprehended an Uzbek man at Suvarnabhumi airport on charges of luring fellow Uzbek citizens into the flesh trade in Pattaya, while two Uzbek women involved in the operation managed to flee, according to authorities.
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) officers arrested the 32-year-old suspect, identified as Navruzbek, at the airport on Thursday as he was attempting to flee the country. Pol Maj Gen Sarut Kwaengsopha, the commander of ATPD, revealed the details on Friday.
Navruzbek was wanted on a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for colluding in human trafficking by recruiting women for the purpose of the flesh trade.
Police investigations revealed that Navruzbek, along with two Uzbek women, enticed their compatriots with promises of assistant cook jobs at a restaurant in Pattaya. Many young women fell victim to this gang’s scheme.
Upon arrival in Thailand, the women were coerced into providing sexual services to customers in the vicinity of Pattaya’s well-known Walking Street, said Pol Col Pattanapong Sriphinphor, superintendent of ATPD Sub-division
The suspect and his associates further ensnared the women in debt bondage, claiming that they owed $5,000 for travel expenses and visa arrangements.
“Any victims who defied the gang would face physical assault, unlawful detention, or food deprivation,” Pol Col Pattanapong explained.
“Most victims had no choice but to provide sexual services. They were forced to sell sex at least four times a day from 6 pm to 6 am. Those who failed to meet the target were punished by being denied food. The victims received only one meal a day.
“If the victims requested wages or expressed a desire to return to their home country, the gang rejected their pleas, stating that they had to repay their debts first.”
During the investigation, it was discovered that the suspects initially had the victims work in Pattaya before planning to take them to Bahrain, where they believed they could earn more money.
One woman managed to escape and seek help from the NightLight Foundation and Operation Underground Railroad, an anti-human trafficking organization from the United States. She subsequently filed a complaint with the ATPD.
The investigators issued arrest warrants for Navruzbek and two Uzbek women, identified as the alleged gang leader Zumrat, 42, and procurer Diloromkon, 22.
According to Pol Col Pattanapong, Zumrat and Diloromkon managed to flee the country with 17 victims. Navruzbek, on the other hand, was about to escape but was apprehended at the airport.
During questioning, Navruzbek denied all charges but admitted to knowing Zumrat. He is currently in police custody pending legal action.
