A Operation Zero Interesttriggered by the Federal Police, this Thursday (21), investigates crimes of human trafficking and work similar to slavery, involving Colombian citizens, in municipalities in the southern region of Rio de Janeiro.
According to the PF, the investigations began following a complaint filed by “Colombians who would have been enticed to come to Brazil with the promise of work in the area of tourism, having their air tickets financed by the group investigated”.
“However, after arriving in Brazil, the scenario presented would have changed, with the victims living in conditions similar to slavery”, informs the Federal Police.
“There are also elements of information indicating that those investigated were acting in a loan sharking scheme, using immigrants to collect debts, often through violence and serious threats”, he added.
Federal police officers carry out search and seizure warrants in the Rio de Janeiro municipalities of Pinheiral and Resendeboth issued by the 3rd Federal Court of São João de Meriti.
The investigations also investigate the existence of other Colombian citizens in a similar situation, “including residing in conditions incompatible with human dignity”.
The PF adds that the actions aim to gather more evidence that helps “in the complete identification of the criminal organization, as well as in the individualization of the conduct carried out by those being investigated”.
