THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has announced a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking with the sentencing of Asif Mohamed Abrahim to 48 months in prison for human trafficking and one month for assault. The sentences will run concurrently.
The case was heard before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate Court on Monday, February 17, 2025, where Abrahim was found guilty. This successful prosecution underscores the ministry’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that perpetrators of this heinous crime face justice.

The legal proceedings began on September 5, 2024, culminating in Monday’s sentencing. The case involved a 15-year-old girl, who was rescued by the ministry’s Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit on January 18, 2024. The victim, a resident of a village in Region Nine, was transported to Abrahim’s residence in Vreed-en-Hoop, where she was held until the C-TIP Unit, acting on credible information, intervened and rescued her.

Swift and decisive action by the C-TIP team not only ensured the girl’s immediate safety but also provided her with the necessary support services to aid in her recovery. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security remains dedicated to providing ongoing assistance to the survivor as she continues her journey toward healing.

The ministry acknowledges that human trafficking is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. The C-TIP Unit continues its relentless efforts to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders. The ministry urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of human trafficking to the C-TIP Unit hotline at 227-4083, 623-5030 (English), or 624-0079 (Spanish), or to contact the nearest police station. All reports are treated with the strictest confidentiality.

Abrahim was arrested and charged for human trafficking and assault committed against a Venezuelan female between November 3, 2023, and January 18, 2024, at New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara. His conviction and sentencing mark a crucial step in ensuring justice and reinforcing Guyana’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security remains resolute in its efforts to combat this grave crime and calls on all citizens to work together to create a safer, more just society free from human trafficking.