ACT Policing has executed search warrants at a residence in O’Malley and a business in Majura Park as part of an investigation into alleged human trafficking and slavery.

In June 2023, information was provided to police alleging a woman had been trafficked from Columbia to Canberra earlier in the year. The woman alleged:

• She was forced to work from before 7am through to late each evening, cleaning, cooking and caring for children in the home.
• She worked seven days a week and was not permitted to leave the home without being escorted.
• She was provided minimal food and was paid cash for her work at well below minimum wage provisions.
• She was forced to work at a Majura Park business.
• She was not permitted to return home to Columbia.

The warrant activity took place about 8.40am on Thursday 31 August. Investigations into the allegations are continuing.  

Anyone with any information about this matter is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.com.au referencing Operation Paxton. 

Police are urging everyone to be on the lookout for cases of human trafficking and slavery. Signs that someone may be a victim of human trafficking include: 

• The person appears reluctant to travel, and/or their movements appear to be controlled by another person; 
• The person does not have a passport or another form of identity or the person can’t access them; 
• The person is subject to poor living or working conditions; 
• The person never or rarely leaves their house for non-work reasons; 
• The person has little or no money or no access to their earnings; 
• The person has physical injuries which may have resulted from assault, harsh treatment or unsafe work practices; or 
• The person is always in the presence of their employer or another person, who does not want or allow them to socialise with others. 

The maximum penalty for trafficking in persons in Australia is 12 years’ imprisonment. 

ACT Policing has specialist officers who are not only trained in the investigation of these sensitive matters, but who are compassionate and empathic and will make victims’ safety and their wishes the priority. 

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