Fake job advertisements, online scams and social media are increasingly being used by traffickers to exploit victims, the Judiciary of Guyana warned, urging the public to remain vigilant against what it described as an evolving form of modern-day slavery.
Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George, in a message marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Thursday, highlighted this year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” pointing to the growing link between human trafficking and cyber-enabled crime.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has identified a growing form of trafficking involving victims being coerced into financial fraud, romance scams and cryptocurrency schemes after responding to fraudulent job offers, the statement said.
“The advancement of technology has also created new opportunities for traffickers to recruit and exploit victims through social media platforms, online advertisements, and messaging applications,” George said.
She said public awareness and vigilance were “more important than ever.”
The Judiciary also cautioned that trafficking often occurs in plain sight and does not always involve kidnapping or physical restraint, noting that many victims willingly accept employment opportunities before becoming trapped through deception, intimidation, withheld wages, confiscated travel documents or restrictions on their freedom.
George urged citizens to recognise warning signs, including individuals who appear fearful, are closely controlled by others, work excessive hours with little or no pay, or have limited contact with family and friends.
While a single indicator may not confirm trafficking, she said several warning signs together should prompt further inquiry and reporting to the relevant authorities.
The Acting Chancellor reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to ensuring trafficking cases are handled fairly and sensitively through a trauma-informed approach that protects victims while holding offenders accountable.
She also called on every Guyanese to play a role in combating trafficking, saying “awareness is the first line of defence” and encouraging the public to report suspected cases and support efforts to protect vulnerable people.
