ORANJESTAD (AAN) – The Joint Court of Justice has convicted a former manager of two bars in San Nicolas for human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and illegally employing foreign nationals.
According to the court, the defendant, identified by the initials C.E., recruited women from abroad and brought them to Aruba to work in prostitution during 2024 and 2025. The court ruled that the offenses remain criminal even if the individuals involved had previously worked as sex workers or agreed to travel.
The court described the crimes as serious offenses that undermine public order and exploit vulnerable people.
The Public Prosecution Service also highlighted the importance of combating human trafficking, noting that Aruba’s efforts are evaluated by the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. Aruba is currently classified as a Tier 2 jurisdiction, indicating progress while identifying areas requiring further improvement.
Authorities reminded the public that human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through forced labor, sexual exploitation, or criminal activities, while migrant smuggling involves facilitating illegal entry into a country, often for financial gain.
Anyone with information about suspected human trafficking or migrant smuggling is encouraged to contact Aruba Police or the Coordination Center for Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (CMMA).
