The Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office has charged two municipal police officers from San Cristóbal de la Barranca for their alleged involvement in a human trafficking case. Officers Marvin “N” and Ernesto “N” were arrested on May 26 while transporting two young men from Michoacán in their patrol car after being deceived by false job offers.
During the initial hearing, a supervisory judge ordered the defendants to be held in preventive detention for one year while the investigation into this illegal recruitment network continues. The operation was carried out by the State Police at the Tlaquepaque Bus Station.
How did the trafficking network involving the police operate?
The defendants contacted their victims through Facebook, offering them well-paying jobs in Jalisco. Once convinced, the young men were transported in the official patrol car to avoid suspicion during the trip.
The arrest occurred when the officers were attempting to transport two young men from Michoacán. Authorities received an anonymous complaint alerting them to the alleged irregular transportation of people.
Investigators do not rule out the possibility of additional victims and accomplices in other municipalities. The use of official vehicles in the crime aggravated the accusations against the police officers.
During the hearing, the defendants’ defense team unsuccessfully attempted to obtain bail. The judge ruled that there was a risk of flight and obstruction of justice.
What did Governor Lemus say about this police scandal?
Governor Pablo Lemus was blunt: “He who does it pays,” referring to the sentence against the police officers. He asserted that this case sends a clear message against corruption in corporations.
Lemus revealed that the officers were caught “in flagrante” transporting the victims and warned that they face at least two years in prison. “Let all police officers know that crime is paid for here,” he emphasized.
Civil organizations demanded greater control over social media, the main recruitment medium for these networks. Activists pointed out that this case demonstrates the infiltration of crime into public institutions.
The president promised to strengthen operations against trafficking, although he did not specify specific measures. Meanwhile, the defendants will remain in prison while the criminal proceedings continue.
Source: telediario
