4 years jail for human trafficking, $1.5M in payment to victim

Mayelin Cordova, a 41-year-old businesswoman of Byderado Road, Bartica, was on Wednesday sentenced to four years imprisonment for trafficking a Venezuelan national for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Cardova, a Venezuelan national, appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert and was ordered by the court to pay one $1.5 million in restitution to the victim, according to a press release from Police Headquarters.

During the trial, Cordova was represented by attorney Gomes-Richards while V. Mangalram appeared on behalf of the prosecution.

Further, Cordova has a previous conviction having been charged by the Guyana Police Force’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit and found guilty, and sentenced to six months imprisonment for ‘Operating a Brothel’.

“The Guyana Police Force in its effort to combat Trafficking in Persons, will continue with its operational measures such as intelligence-led operations, spot inspections, awareness campaigns, and training initiatives across all the Regions of Guyana,” the press release concluded.