RPNGC CRACKS HUMAN TRAFFICKING RING-4 CHINESE DETAINED, 39 INDONESIANS RESCUED
THE Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has struck a major blow against transnational crime, detaining four Chinese nationals and rescuing 39 Indonesian victims in Port Moresby.
Commissioner of Police David Manning announced the breakthrough, describing the operation as the disruption of an alleged international trafficking network.
“There will be no leniency for those who traffic and exploit people. RPNGC investigators are committed to ensuring every offender identified is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Manning said.
The raid, led by the Transnational Crime Directorate, uncovered five women and 34 men confined inside a three‑bedroom property.
Acting on intelligence developed by RPNGC Transnational Crime Directorate, police executed search warrants at a downtown Port Moresby residence yesterday morning and located 39 Indonesian victims- five women and 34 men- confined inside a 3-bedroom property.
According to a statement from the Commissioner Manning, it is alleged that the 39 individuals were approached through social media with false offers of employment and subsequently held against their will as part of a complex people smuggling enterprise.
Commissioner Manning condemned the criminal enterprise which sought profit from the exploitation of vulnerable people.
Manning says, RPNGC investigators are committed to ensuring that every offender identified through investigation is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and penalties that reflect the seriousness if these crimes will be sought.
Manning stressed that the safety, welfare and dignity of the victims remain the immediate priority, with the PNG Government working closely with the Indonesian Embassy to provide consular and medical support.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Operations, Donald Yamasombi, who led the raid, said the arrests mark a significant success against organised crime.
“Initial inquiries indicate those detained may be connected to a wider syndicate operating between Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
The RPNGC will work closely with international policing partners to dismantle any offshore components of this criminal network,” he explained.
Manning commended investigators for their professionalism, adding: “Papua New Guinea is founded on Christian values, respect for the law and, above all, respect for the dignity of every person.”
The investigation is ongoing, with police warning that further arrests are expected as they trace the movements and connections of the alleged traffickers.
