Vice ring under probe

By REBECCA KUKU
AN expatriate woman, who police believe is part of a human trafficking ring organised to provide rich people here with prostitutes from overseas, was arrested in Port Moresby yesterday.
An Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) officer told The National that there could be more foreign women involved.
“We believe these women are being brought in on tourist visas by a foreign businessman for leisure activities or prostitution services. Investigations are still continuing,” he said.
The woman, from an Asian country, was arrested by police in East Boroko and taken to the Boroko Police Station to be questioned over a willful damage complaint.
But when police discovered that her papers were not in order, they contacted the ICA.
The ICA officer said: “She was charged and refused bail while her visa and other leisure activities are being investigated by a joint ICA and police team.”
Assistant Police Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Junior, who is responsible for the National City District and Central, said he had not been briefed on the matter.
He is in Lae attending a meeting.
International Organisation for Migration (PNG) chief of mission Serhan Aktoprak said women who were trafficked and sexually exploited should call them on 323 2730 for assistance.
Aktoprak said human trafficking was a global issue which affected many countries, including PNG.
“No one is immune from human trafficking, and it happens both locally and internationally,” he said.
“People are trafficked for prostitution, forced labour, domestic servitude, child begging and removal of organs.”
Aktoprak said they were there to help victims of human trafficking.
“People who are been trafficked or know of someone who is being trafficked, whether internationally or domestically, can call IOM for assistance,” he said.
“Whether you’re a man or woman and have been or are being exploited, call IOM for help.”