Police say there isn't much they can do in the case of Indian nationals Keyur Barot, and Jitendra Kumar who are suspects in a criminal complaint, but also claim to be human trafficking victims. As we told you last night, importer and merchant Jack Charles has accused Barot of collecting sixty thousand dollars for him on September 13th., and then absconding across the Guatemalan border with his vehicle and his money.
Barot and Kumar were caught 10 days later in Monterey, Mexico, allegedly with 13 thousand US dollars. The SUV was found abandoned in Guatemala. Mexican authorities handed them over to Belize police on October first, but almost 6 weeks later, they haven't been charged. As we understand it that's because they claim to have been victims of human traffic. Today, police said that the Immigration Department is involved - and while they investigate, all criminal matters are on hold:...
Supt. Alejandro Cowo- CIB, Belize City
"It's a matter that the police begin with a theft investigation initially. They were brought from Mexico to Belize where police interviewed them. However, it's a collaborative effort between the Immigration Department and the Police Department. So, we are looking at two different aspects of the investigation. The Immigration is still dealing with that investigation and after that, they will be passing it to the police so that the police can continue with the theft investigation."
Reporter
"Are these men in custody until then?"
Supt. Alejandro Cowo
"They are still here in Belize, not in custody."
Jules Vasquez- Reporter
"I understand that they are being put up by the Department of Human Development as persons who have complained that they were victims of human traffic."
Supt. Alejandro Cowo
"Well, that's a matter that is being dealt with by the Immigration Department along with the Human Services."
Jules Vasquez- Reporter
"Ok, now sir, these men have been back in the country since October 1st, is there a window for when you can say, ok there is a criminal complaint of a substantial nature- theft of $6 thousand and a vehicle- against you, the window for the human trafficking complaint has expired and we have to bring criminal charges."
Supt. Alejandro Cowo
"Well, there is no expiration date on those charges. Charges can be brought at any time. It is an indictable matter so it is still left open indefinitely."
Jules Vasquez
"Is it your expectation that at some point they will be charged?"
Supt. Alejandro Cowo
"Well, we are waiting for the results of the investigation conducted by the Immigration Department. Thereafter we will follow it up."
The Director of Immigration today told us, quote, "Immigration does not deal with human trafficking cases, if we identify such cases we turn over to Major crimes at Police and they investigate that matter. It is not an immigration matter at this time."
As we understand it, the case is in the hands of Department of Social Services. The CEO in that Ministry has refused comment.
Jack Charles - who these men are accusing of human traffic offenses - alleges that the two men, whom he calls "fugitives" are receiving "special treatment." In a text message statement to the press today he said, quote, "When I found out that these fugitives are playing victim, I personally went to Belmopan and presented all evidence to senior officials (to contradict their claims)…but until today .... still in process …"
The men allege that Charles confined them to a warehouse and severely restricted their movements. To that, he says, quote: "We have made a WhatsApp group from 2014 in which everyone of my Indian employees reports when he reaches work .... when he goes for lunch... when he returns......and when he goes home." End quote. Charles says this record will establish that the men were moving about and not confined to his warehouse.
He says at no time has he been called in to answer to any allegations about human trafficking.
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