Volume 8
ing case since 2014, but it is the first that targets
an entire organization. We will continue to work
closely with our federal and local law enforcement
partners to target and dismantle these types of farreaching organizations.”
Oct/Nov 2016 Edition
under seal on Sept. 28, 2016, since at least 2009,
the criminal organization has recruited and transported hundreds of women, which the organization refers to as “flowers,” from Thailand to various
locations across the United States, including Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix,
Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Houston, Dallas and
Austin, for purposes of exploiting them for prostitution.
Once in the United States, victims were allegedly
placed in houses of prostitution where they were
forced to work long hours – often all day, every day.
As alleged in the indictment, the women were not
allowed to leave the prostitution houses unless accompanied by a member of the criminal organization.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta
“The Justice Department created the Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team (ACTeam) Initiative to bring
together federal law enforcement agencies to enhance our impact in investigating and prosecuting
human trafficking,” said Principal Deputy Assistant
Attorney General Gupta.
“This case is an outstanding example of these efforts. We will continue to work tirelessly with them
to bring traffickers to justice and vindicate the rights
of vulnerable victims.”
“This week’s arrests reflect HSI’s global reach and
ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal organizations
that engage in human trafficking activities,” said
Special Agent in Charge Khu.
“HSI also remains firmly committed to rescuing victims and getting them help they desperately need
to begin recovering from the depredations forced
on them by these criminals.”
“From coast to coast, IRS Criminal Investigation
is determined to team with our law enforcement
partners to track down the individuals who facilitate
and launder the proceeds of sex trafficking crimes,”
said Special Agent in Charge Jones.
“Those who seek to enrich themselves by exploiting the desperate circumstances of their victims will
not be tolerated in our cities.”
According to the indictment, which was returned
According to allegations in the indictment, which
identifies several of the women as victims of human
trafficking, the organization often recruited women
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