The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia filed a charge against one person for the fact of human trafficking against four persons committed in aggravated circumstances.

According to the investigation conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, based on information provided by the Labour Inspection Office, it was determined that the owner of farms in one of the regions of Georgia had, for the purpose of trafficking, compelled four individuals to work on his farms for a certain period of time through deception, violence, and coercion. The accused forced them to work at any time of the day or night, subjected them to verbal and physical abuse, and prevented them from returning home. The victims managed to escape from the farm area due to the unbearable conditions, but the accused sent them back with physical violence and threats, forcing them to continue working. Three victims later managed to escape from the farm area, while one person was exploited by the accused until April 4th.

The detained was charged under article 143¹ of the Criminal Code of Georgia (part 2, sub-clauses “b” and “c”; part 3, sub-clauses “b” and “d”) (human trafficking against more than two persons committed under aggravating circumstances), which is punishable by imprisonment form 14 to 17 years.

Based on the motion by the Prosecutor’s Office, imprisonment was selected as a measure of restraint against the accused.