Suriname: Human Trafficker serves jail time before being deported

A 59-year-old convicted human trafficker has been deported by Suriname following his prison sentence on the same charges.

According to the Aliens Department of the Suriname Police Force (SPF), the individual is identified only as DY and has been restricted from entering the Dutch speaking Caribbean (CARICOM) nation for a span of 5 years.

According to the records available, DY was arrested on August 6^th 2021, after a report was received from a trafficking in person (TIP) victim who stated that he was forced into labour. The victim’s testimony states that DY convinced him to transfer heavy equipment and other gold mining equipment from China to Suriname.

The victim also stated that an agreement was made between him and the suspect, according to which, the victim would enter into a partnership with the suspect. The suspect also posed as a successful entrepreneur from Suriname to dupe the victim.

According to the victim, what he saw when he arrived in Suriname though, was far from what was promised to him. Contrary to prior negotiations, the victim ended up in the hinterland where he had to engage in labour work and live in a small shabby tent. Obviously, there was no gold mine for him to come to.

To make matters worse, the victim was threatened and abused when he voiced his wish to leave with the equipment.

Thankfully, the justice system managed to address the issue in the appropriate manner. On July 27^th 2022, the suspect was charged on the counts of human trafficking, embezzlement and assault, following which he was sentenced to imprisonment for period of three years.

The Conditional Release and Pardon Committee awarded DY a provisional release after he had served two thirds of his sentence conditional to his deportation. Through this process DY has now managed to secure his release, although his time and criminal activities in Suriname will definitely come to an end.

While it might not be an ideal situation for the victim, who had to suffer, not just monetarily but also physically and emotionally, it still is a victory for the country’s justice system. In some small measure, it has also provided a measure of relief and most importantly, justice to the victim.