Police Arrest Woman, 37, After Victim, 21, Escapes Réunion Island Human Trafficking Ring

A 37-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with human trafficking as Mauritian detectives move to dismantle a cross-border prostitution network operating between Mauritius and Réunion Island.

Nirusha Vanita G., a resident of Petite-Rivière, Mauritius, was provisionally charged on Monday, 16 February, at Bambous District Court.

The investigation was launched after a 21-year-old woman escaped her captors and reported her ordeal to the Petite-Rivière police on the night of Sunday, 15 February.

The Deception

The victim told officers that the recruitment began in December, when the suspect allegedly approached her with an offer of work as a photographer on the neighbouring French island. The suspect reportedly promised to cover all travel and accommodation costs.

On 10 January, the complainant flew to Réunion accompanied by another woman. Upon arrival, they were met by the suspect and taken to a lodge in Le Tampon, situated in the south of the island.

Forced Labour and Threats

The victim alleges that once they arrived at the lodge, the “trap closed.” She and her companion were reportedly forced to wear nightwear for photo sessions.

“That same day, several men arrived and had sexual relations with us against our consent, and Vanita collected the payments,” the complainant told police.

When the victim resisted, she was met with threats. The suspect allegedly confiscated her passport and told her:

“Do you think you can just leave like that? You are forced to work for me.”

Escape and Investigation

The complainant managed to leave Réunion and return to Mauritius on 31 January. Two weeks later, she came forward to the authorities, further alleging that her own sister had also fallen victim to the suspect’s operation.

Police arrested Nirusha Vanita G. on Sunday, 15 February. During interrogation, she admitted to accompanying the victim to Réunion but was held overnight at Sodnac police station before her court appearance.

As part of the ongoing inquiry, the suspect’s husband was also detained for questioning before being released.

The Petite-Rivière Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continues to investigate the scope of the network.

Source: Defi Media