Essequibo couple charged for trafficking Venezuelan women for sexual exploitation

An Essequibo husband and wife, who were accused of using their bar as a brothel, have been charged with trafficking Venezuelan women for sexual exploitation.

Dhanraj Rambarran, 58, and his 53-year-old wife Khamwattie Rambarran appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday to answer to the charge that they trafficked two Venezuelan women.

The Rambarrans made their appearance before Magistrate Esther Sam and pleaded not guilty.

Police claimed that between January 1, 2019, and February 16, 2019, at La Cabana Bar at Henrietta Village, Essequibo, the couple transported and harboured the two women for sexual exploitation.

The couple was charged in February 2019 for using the La Cabana Bar as a brothel and was released on $10,000 bail each by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

However, on Tuesday, based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, the brothel charge was withdrawn and the couple was charged for trafficking in persons.

The couple was jointly charged and were represented by Attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva.

The attorney, in an application for bail, told the court that his clients are not a flight risk.

Magistrate Sam released the couple each on $200,000 bail and adjourned the matter until May 15, 2019.

News Room understands that the couple was arrested by police during a raid at the La Cabana Bar.

Two females, who are suspected sex workers, were also taken into custody during the raid.