The Hawks have rescued three Peruvian women from a Gqeberha lodge after uncovering a suspected human trafficking and cybercrime operation linked to fraudulent job offers.
The Hawks and Home Affairs immigration officials raided the property in Bluewater Bay on Friday, 16 October, after the Peruvian government raised concerns about an 18-year-old woman who had allegedly travelled to South Africa for a call centre job.
Instead, she reportedly found herself at a lodge where people allegedly carried out online scams targeting victims in Peru.
Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the woman’s father played a crucial role in helping authorities track down the property.
FAKE JOB OFFER LEADS WOMAN TO GQEBERHA
According to Mhlakuvana, the 18-year-old arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on 2 October before travelling to Gqeberha the following day.
Recruiters had allegedly promised her employment at an online call centre.
However, when she arrived at the Bluewater Bay lodge, she discovered that the operation differed significantly from the job she had expected.
Investigators believe those running the operation used the premises to conduct online scams targeting people in Peru. Participants allegedly had to communicate in Spanish.
The young woman contacted her father in Peru and shared information about her location.
Her father alerted authorities, prompting the Peruvian government to raise the alarm through the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
“The information was relayed through the appropriate channels, leading to the law enforcement intervention,” Mhlakuvana said.
HAWKS FIND 26 PEOPLE DURING RAID
Hawks investigators and Home Affairs officials arrived at the lodge at approximately 17:00 on Friday.
They found 26 people, including 14 Peruvian women and 12 men.
The men included two South Africans allegedly working as drivers, two Chinese nationals identified as tenants linked to the online business and eight Peruvian nationals.
Investigators are still trying to establish each person’s role in the suspected operation.
Officers removed the 18-year-old and two other Peruvian women who had reportedly arrived in South Africa on the same date.
Authorities took the three women to a place of safety, where they will receive further assistance and support.
POLICE SEIZE COMPUTERS AND CELLPHONES
During the operation, investigators seized laptops, desktop computers and cellphones as they pursued allegations of human trafficking, fraudulent recruitment and cybercrime.
Police also took the remaining 23 people to various police stations to verify their immigration status and investigate their possible involvement in criminal activities.
Mhlakuvana confirmed that the Hawks had not arrested anyone by Sunday, 18 October.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Eastern Cape Hawks acting provincial head Brigadier Romeo Petrus praised the National Human Trafficking Hotline and the joint operation that led to the women’s rescue.
Investigators will now examine the seized electronic devices and establish whether those involved committed any criminal offences.