Pilot/businessman Orlando Charles to be charged for trafficking 16 Venezuelans

Orlando Charles, a 45-year-old pilot and businessman of Middle Street, Georgetown, will be charged for trafficking 16 Venezuelan nationals between November 2022 and May this year.

Police Headquarters reported that the man trafficked these persons between November 1, 2022 and May 18, 2023. He reportedly trafficked them between the Mazaruni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni) and Georgetown.

According to the Police, the victims reported the matter to the Guyana Police Force, and members of the Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters immediately conducted an investigation.

Police did not say when the trafficking in persons scheme was discovered. However, it was noted that legal advice was given by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) after an investigation was completed.

It was reportedly recommended that Charles be charged with 16 counts of Trafficking in Persons.

Police said efforts will be made to continue working with other stakeholders so that intelligence-led operations, spot inspections, awareness, and training can be conducted in every region of Guyana.