Husband, wife, businesswoman charged with trafficking Venezuelan women

Three shop owners in the Mazaruni district were remanded to prison Thursday for allegedly trafficking four Venezuelan nationals for sexual exploitation.

Lawrence Williams and his wife June Williams appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and were not required to plea to the charge.

The matter was held in camera. News Room understands that the charge against June Williams alleged that between April 1 and April 30, 2018, at Itaki, Mazaruni River she recruited, transported and harboured three Venezuelan nationals for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The charge against Lawrence Williams stated that between November 1 and December 31, 2017, at Puruni River, he recruited, transported and harboured the three female nationals for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Meanwhile, Businesswoman Arita Gould called “Molly” was also charged for trafficking a female Venezuelan national between May 1 and May 31, 2018, at Puruni Landing.

The trio did not have legal representation and was remanded to prison until July 5.

The matter is transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court. News Room understands that the women were being harboured at the hotel and bar owned by the Williams’.