A wildlife exporter who allegedly trafficked two Venezuelan men for labour exploitation, was today charged for the offence.
Sixty-two-year-old Feezal Shaw of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, appeared before City Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The charge stated that between February 14, 2018 and June 14, 2018 at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, he engaged in trafficking in persons, in that he recruited, harboured and transported the two men for the purpose of labour exploitation.
Shaw pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him.
According to information, during the period mentioned in the charge, the men entered Guyana illegally and were taken to a house at Soesdyke.
While there, the men were told that they would be paid $10,000 for each cage they built for exotic animals, which the defendant normally exports.
However, the victims were forced to work on a farm, where they had to feed and take care of animals.
After working for three days on the farm, the Venezuelans complained about the work and they were each given $100,000 and was promised the remaining of the money, but it was never given to them.
It was reported that the defendant then took away the victims passports and kept it in his custody.
The matter was reported, an investigation was then carried out; hence, Shaw was charged for the offence.
The Magistrate, after listening to the facts, released Shaw on $100,000 bail.
He was instructed to make his next court appearance on September 11, 2019.
