Latest Human trafficking News

13 women convicted in Cambodia of acting as pregnancy surrogates for foreigners

Dec. 03, 2024 19:45 PM EST

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Thirteen women from the Philippines have been convicted on human trafficking-related charges for acting as surrogates in Cambodia for a ring selling babies to foreigners for cash. The women were each sentenced to four years in prison after being found...

Dismantling of two New Jersey human trafficking rings leads to charges against seven, AG says

Dec. 03, 2024 16:39 PM EST

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey authorities took down two human trafficking rings, including one that was forcing children as young as 13 to have sex with adults for money, the state's top law enforcement official said Tuesday. Seven people have been charged as a result of the...

Former Abercrombie CEO's partner pleads not guilty to sex trafficking charges, is freed on bond

Dec. 03, 2024 16:28 PM EST

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — Matthew Smith, the partner of former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, was released on $10 million bond Tuesday in their sex trafficking case with conditions including home detention and GPS monitoring. Smith, 61, pleaded not guilty to sex...

Venezuelan migrants keep arriving in Colombia. These faith leaders offer them a home away from home

Dec. 03, 2024 08:03 AM EST

PALMIRA, Colombia (AP) — It’s been three years since Douarleyka Velásquez abandoned her career in human resources. Her new job is not what she had planned for, but still feels rewarding. As a cleaning supervisor at a migrant shelter in Colombia, she gets to comfort Venezuelans who, just like...

Idaho’s ‘abortion trafficking’ law mostly can be enforced as lawsuit proceeds, court rules

Dec. 02, 2024 23:42 PM EST

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal appeals court on Monday ruled that most of Idaho's first-in-the-nation law that makes it illegal to help minors get an abortion without the consent of their parents can take effect while a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality continues. The...

Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail by third judge as he awaits sex trafficking trial

Nov. 27, 2024 20:38 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Wednesday as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a “serious risk” of witness tampering and proof he has tried to hide prohibited communications with third parties while incarcerated. ...

What to know about Pam Bondi, Trump's new pick for attorney general

Nov. 25, 2024 20:56 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, was chosen by Donald Trump to serve as U.S. attorney general hours after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration after a federal sex trafficking investigation and ethics probe made his ability to be confirmed...

Militia detains 300 migrants in the desert in Libya's effort to contain sea crossings

Nov. 25, 2024 18:03 PM EST

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Libyan military officials said Monday they apprehended hundreds of migrants traversing the country's vast desert hoping to ultimately cross the Mediterranean Sea in pursuit of a better life in Europe. The 444 Brigade, a powerful militia group that operates...

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' third bid to be released on bail won't be decided until next week

Nov. 22, 2024 18:45 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs ' lawyers tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let the hip-hop mogul out of jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week as prosecutors warned of his "concerted effort" from behind bars to...

Trump chooses loyalist Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Matt Gaetz withdraws

Nov. 22, 2024 03:46 AM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday he will nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department, turning to a longtime ally after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name from consideration amid scrutiny over sex trafficking...