An investigation into the alleged trafficking and sexual exploitation of a 15-yearold Venezuelan girl led the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) of the Ministry of Homeland Security and partner agencies into Point Fortin in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 04 November, 2026, as Operation KEY-UN-LUX targeted additional suspects in the case.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a 43-year-old Venezuelan woman and a 32-year-old Trinidadian man, following enquiries into an alleged child trafficking ring operating from South to Central Trinidad.
Three Venezuelan women, aged 19, 28 and 38, were also encountered at the premises during this morning’s exercise and screened on site by CTU officers. None of the women was identified as a victim of trafficking, and all three were subsequently handed over to Immigration Division Enforcement for further processing.
Arising from these investigations, Keon James, 34, of St. Helena, was charged on 02 October, 2026, with sexual intercourse with a female without her consent, under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chap. 11:28, and harbouring for the purpose of sexual exploitation under the Trafficking in Persons Act. The charges marked the commencement of Operation KEY-UNLUX, which continued this morning with an exercise targeting additional suspects identified during the investigation.
Minister of Homeland Security, the Honourable Roger Alexander M.P., issued a firm warning to those involved in trafficking in persons, stating: “Human trafficking is a grave crime, and those who exploit children must expect a determined law enforcement response. We will pursue offenders, support thorough investigations and work to bring those responsible before the courts. Our position is clear: no one has the right to profit from another person’s exploitation. Protecting victims and holding offenders accountable remain priorities of this Ministry.”
Participating agencies included the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force; the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s Special Investigations Unit and Financial Investigations Branch; the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago; and the Immigration Division’s Enforcement.
The Ministry of Homeland Security underscores the importance of coordinated investigations and timely information from the public in identifying suspected human trafficking and reaching persons who may be experiencing exploitation.
Anyone with information about suspected trafficking in persons is encouraged to contact the Counter Trafficking Unit’s toll-free hotline at 800-4CTU (4288) or via WhatsApp at + 1 (868) 7020467.
Investigations are continuing.