WILLEMSTAD - The court of first instance in Curaçao dealt with a human trafficking case again on Friday, January 24, 2020. It concerned the investigation with the name "Tres Belle". Like the human trafficking cases "Venus" and "Freedom", which were dealt with in session in 2019, this was a case involving the exploitation of "trago" or drinking ladies.
In the Tres Belle case, convictions for human trafficking were again followed. The judge immediately ruled last Friday. The main suspect, who owns a bar/nightclub, was sentenced to 3 years in prison, of which 1 year was suspended. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has demanded against him 4 years, of which 1 year conditionally. The nightclub bartender was sentenced to 24 months' imprisonment, of which 12 months were suspended.
Another suspect, who brought the ladies to work every day and also did other odd jobs for the night club, was given a 20-month prison sentence. An employee of a travel agency was also prosecuted for buying tickets for the ladies, was sentenced to community service. Finally, a fifth suspect was acquitted. This concerned the girlfriend of the main suspect who occasionally helped in the bar.