Yesterday, a police officer was arrested on suspicion of illegal human trafficking, or human smuggling (mensensmokkel). His wife was also arrested. Both were brought before the supervisory judge (hues-comisario) this afternoon, and their detention has been extended.
The allegations against the two suspects entail that they granted individuals entry into Aruba while knowing it was against the law. They also provided accommodation to these same individuals and others who did not have legal residency status in Aruba. Furthermore, they are suspected of forgery and of forcing these individuals to work illegally.
In colloquial speech, the terms human smuggling (mensensmokkel) and human trafficking (mensenhandel) are often confused. However, they constitute two completely different punishable offenses.
Human Trafficking (Mensenhandel)
Human trafficking refers to the exploitation of individuals, which can take various forms. Labor exploitation occurs (for example) when a person is forced to work under poor conditions, for very low wages, without days off, or without the possibility of leaving their job. Sexual exploitation occurs when a person is forced to perform sexual acts against their will. Criminal exploitation occurs when a person is forced to commit crimes, such as transporting drugs.
Human Smuggling (Mensensmokkel)
This specific investigation concerns human smuggling. This offense refers to crossing a country’s border in an illegal manner. Even if the smuggled individual wants to come to Aruba of their own free will (for example, by entering as a tourist and staying to work), it is against the law. Such practices undermine the policies of the Country of Aruba and bring risks and expenses to the entire community.
Additionally, suspects of this type of crime illegally earn large sums of money, while other citizens must work long and hard to earn a living. This gives the suspects an unfair advantage over other individuals (and their businesses) who do abide by the rules and the law.
To make matters worse, the individuals involved were highly dependent on the suspects. They worked for them and lived with them. They had to obey, or else they would lose their place to live and their income. They were not even insured. This means that if anything happened to them, all expenses would fall on the community to bear.
The fact that a police officer, whose exact duty is to uphold the law, is involved in these types of acts makes the matter much more serious.
The investigation into this case is ongoing. More information will be provided as the developments of the investigation allow.