In 2023, some 123 cases were assessed in suspicion of elements of human trafficking by the Human Trafficking Investigation Unit under the Criminal Investigation Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force.
Six cases were found to have indications leading to human trafficking criminal investigations.
Head of Human Trafficking Investigation Unit Deputy Superintendent Police Hajah Anis @ Roszaffina binti Haji Ahmad shared information on human trafficking investigations in a presentation during the first-ever roadshow on human trafficking at the Labour Department, which continues until June 6.
She also shared information on Chapter 230 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Under Section 5 (1), Chapter 230 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act on people trafficking, offenders found guilty will face a fine between BND10,000 and BND1,000,000 in respect of each trafficked person, imprisonment for a term between four and 30 years and whipping.
Meanwhile, under Section 5 (2), Chapter 230 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act on trafficked child, offenders found guilty will face a fine between BND10,000 and BND1,000,000 in respect of each trafficked child, imprisonment for a term between four and 30 years and no less than five strokes of whipping.
Under Section 6, Chapter 230 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act on sexual trafficking, offenders found guilty will face a fine of up to BND1,000,000, imprisonment for a term between four and 30 years and no less than five strokes of whipping.
The roadshow features enforcement agencies, which are members of the National Committee for Anti-Trafficking in Persons, including the Labour Department, Immigration and National Registration Department, Royal Customs and Excise Department and the Community Development Department.
The roadshow aims to strengthen law enforcement in combatting and stopping human trafficking in the Sultanate by providing information to first responders and investigators at each enforcement department. – James Kon
