OIJ raids boat in Golfito and rescues victims of labor exploitation

Thirteen people of four nationalities were rescued this Sunday after being detained since November 2023 on a boat anchored in Golfito, Puntarenas. The operation was carried out by agents of the Specialized Section on Gender Violence, Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).

In late May, they received confidential information about the alleged living conditions of people who were not paid and living in poor conditions, with inadequate food and overcrowded conditions.

“At the end of May 2024, confidential information was received indicating that this boat was at anchor with several individuals on board, who were not paid, had poor food conditions and lived in overcrowded conditions,” explained the OIJ.

As detailed by the OIJ, last Sunday, at 9 a.m., there was a raid and rescue of 13 people of different nationalities, including Mexicans, Ecuadorians, Venezuelans, Costa Ricans and Portuguese. As a result, authorities arrested a man of Portuguese nationality on suspicion of the crime of trafficking in persons for economic exploitation.

The OIJ specified that during the search, a cell phone was seized, as well as other evidence necessary for the investigation. Photographic evidence was key to showing the conditions these people lived in, officials say.

Concerning the suspect, the agents presented him before the judicial authorities, who will determine his legal situation. In Costa Rica, human trafficking is punishable by law with penalties ranging from six to ten years in prison, or sixteen years in cases where the victim suffers from serious health problems, if the offense was committed by a criminal organization or if there are other aggravating circumstances. .

The OIJ said this operation highlights the ongoing fight against human trafficking and its commitment to the protection of human rights. The authorities will continue their investigation to determine the extent of the network of labor exploitation and will ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.