Nine Cuban women were among 16 suspected victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation rescued from a bar last week during a law enforcement operation in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Officers from the state's General Prosecutor's Office, supported by the Navy, raided a venue in the Benito Juárez municipality. There they discovered nine Cuban women, along with two Mexicans, two Venezuelans, two Colombians, and one Jamaican. All of the women were adults and were considered "suspected victims of possible human trafficking offenses in the form of forced prostitution," as stated by the Prosecutor's Office on their website.
The authorities detailed that the women were providing "sexual services" for which they charged 5,000 pesos. Of this amount, 3,000 pesos were handed over to the bar manager. Additionally, the women were required to drink with clients, who were charged 500 pesos per drink, with 250 pesos going to the manager. They also performed private dances, costing 250 pesos for three minutes. Beer buckets were priced at 600 pesos, according to the report.
Law Enforcement Response
After the establishment was searched, investigators from the Special Prosecutor's Office for Combating Crimes of Human Trafficking and Exploitation of Children, Adolescents, and Women escorted the rescued victims to the Prosecutor's Office. They also placed "seals of securing" on the bar, located on Bonampak Avenue, near Supermanzana 6 in Benito Juárez municipality.
Increasing Incidents of Human Trafficking
Last year, a feminist organization that supports migrant women in Mexico warned about the rising number of trafficking cases involving Cuban, Colombian, and Venezuelan women. These nationalities are reportedly the most common among trafficked women in the country. In an interview with the Spanish agency EFE, members of the Caminantas group highlighted that many women arrive in Mexico with promises of employment or after forming online romantic relationships with Mexican men who provided financial support to them or their families for extended periods. However, upon arrival, their circumstances change drastically, leading to them becoming victims of trafficking and subjected to various forms of violence.
Statistics and Reports
According to data from the National Public Security System (SNSP) cited by EFE, from 2015 to 2023, 227 foreign women were murdered in Mexico, with 32 being Colombian and 29 Venezuelan. The report did not specify the number of Cuban women killed during this period.
In recent years, coinciding with the relentless exodus of Cuban migrants to different countries, there has been an increase in reports of Cuban women being subjected to sexual exploitation in the United States, Spain, Uruguay, Suriname, Panama, and Guyana, among other nations. Furthermore, arrests have been made of Cuban nationals accused of exploiting women.
At the end of March, Cristóbal Fernández Viamonte, a dual Cuban-Mexican citizen, was extradited to Mexico from Colombia after being identified as the leader of a transnational human trafficking network for sexual exploitation.
Key Insights on Human Trafficking in Mexico
How many Cuban women were rescued from the bar in Mexico?
Nine Cuban women were among the victims rescued from the bar in the law enforcement operation.
What charges were the women providing services under?
The women were providing sexual services for 5,000 pesos, of which 3,000 pesos were given to the bar manager. They also charged for drinks and private dances.
What has been the trend in trafficking cases involving Cuban women?
There has been a noticeable increase in reports of Cuban women being victims of sexual exploitation, particularly in Mexico and other countries like the United States and Spain.