Two 16-year-olds rescued from human trafficking ring in Anzoátegui

Venezuelan authorities have rescued two 16-year-old girls from a human trafficking network operating in Anzoátegui state. The operation, led by the Cuerpo de Investigaciones Científicas, Penales y Criminalísticas (Cicpc) in Barcelona, involved tracking the suspects through phone and social media.

The victims were reportedly lured by false promises of employment in Trinidad and Tobago. According to Cicpc Director Douglas Rico, the network intended to transport the girls to the island nation for sexual exploitation. The rescue took place on the national highway Troncal 09, in the La Mascota sector, as the teenagers were being transported in a Chevrolet Blazer vehicle.

Two individuals were arrested: Carlos Julio Rengel Veliz, 42, and a 17-year-old minor. They were taking the girls to Tucupita, in Delta Amacuro state, where they were to board a river vessel to Trinidad and Tobago. Rico indicated that other members of the network are still at large. The case has been handed over to the Public Ministry.