BVI police arrests another female suspect in human trafficking probe

By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said Wednesday (Feb. 8) it has arrested a female on suspicion of money laundering in connection with its ongoing human trafficking investigations in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

The female was subsequently released pending further investigations, the RVIPF said in a press release.

The arrest stemmed from the execution of three additional search warrants, the RVIPF added.

The RVIPF said it can make no further comment on the matter because the investigations are active.

It, however, further stated that “persons are invited to contact Crimestoppers anonymously through its tipline 800 8477 or if overseas call 1-284-800-8477 if there is suspected human trafficking or you are a victim of this modern-day slavery. Persons with information can also call the RVIPF directly through its three-digit access number 311”.

This development comes after 37-year old Genette Colastin of Pockwood Pond, Tortola was arrested and charged in connection with a “complex and far-reaching” ongoing human trafficking investigation, according to a RVIPF statement released on Saturday, Feb. 4.

RVIPF Press Officer Diane Drayton said in the statement that Colastin was among three persons who were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking when police executed a search warrant on Thursday.

Four people believed to be human trafficking victims from another island were rescued and placed in the custody of the Immigration Department.

No further details were released about the alleged victims or the specific circumstances which led to the arrests, however, Police Commissioner Mark Collins said in statement that the human trafficking investigation is “complex and far-reaching”.

Collins further stated that human trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery, is a problem all over the world. He urged residents to contact the police at Crime Stoppers, anonymously, on 284-800-8477, if they suspect human trafficking.