How a Kenyan man masterminded a sex trafficking ring in India
A Kenyan man was arrested in India on Thursday, December 14, 2023, for allegedly trafficking women from Africa to Asia.
International media reported that the man, identified as Mr Newton Muthuri Kimani, liked to lure the women with promises of jobs in Asia.
His identity was initially kept secret until Indian authorities informed his family of what had happened.
“He had come to India from Kenya on a student visa. However, it remains unclear whether it had expired by the time he was caught,” international media reported.
According to India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED), Kimani was arrested on December 9, and remanded in custody. He was scheduled to be produced in court on Friday, December 15, 2023.
“ED’s investigation revealed that Newton Muthuri Kimani managed several accounts into which certain amounts were credited in the name of various persons involved in the immoral human trafficking racket,” the agency said.
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The agency further said that the money generated through illegal means was transferred to Kenya through a popular mobile money application and also through some foreign banks with the help of hawala operators.
“Searches have been conducted in Gujarat and Punjab and incriminating documents and digital devices have been seized,” the agency added.
The investigation into the matter began when the Goa Anjuna police registered a case against two Nigerian nationals, identified as Israelite alias Dorcast Maria, 28, and Olokpa, 22, for their alleged involvement in human trafficking.
The Indian Crime Branch said the duo liked to bring young African girls to India after lying to them that they were able to get them jobs, especially in the hospitality industry.
However, the girls ended up in brothels where they engaged in sexual activities for a fee.
As the investigation progressed, Mr Kimani was identified as a person of interest in the matter, leading to his arrest.
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