Zabaneh, Son And Woman Face Human Trafficking Charges
An opportunity for a better life in Belize has become the centre of a human-trafficking case involving an elderly man, his son, and the son’s common-law wife. The three appeared before the Dangriga Magistrate’s Court this morning, where they were each charged with one count of trafficking in persons.
The accused are 88-year-old Emilio Zabaneh, his 36-year-old son Elvis Zabaneh, and 34-year-old Tersi Aguilar. The case stems from allegations made by a Salvadoran woman who travelled to Belize after Emilio Zabaneh allegedly offered her a job as a caregiver, promising a monthly salary of five hundred U.S. dollars, along with accommodation and travel expenses. But according to her statement to investigators, the arrangement took a troubling turn after she arrived in Belize on August 15, 2023. Instead of the caregiving job she expected, the woman reportedly faced verbal abuse, received far less money than promised, and was made to perform household duties outside her agreed responsibilities. She also alleged that Emilio Zabaneh made unwanted sexual demands, threatened to have her jailed if she refused, and withheld her passport, leaving her unable to freely leave the residence. The woman also reported poor living conditions and said she received just BZ$150 during her stay. Anti-Trafficking officers rescued her during a raid at a Havana Street property on September 10, 2023, and placed her in the care of the Department of Human Services. The three accused appeared in court, but no pleas were taken. They were granted bail of $7,000 each, with one surety or two sureties of $3,500 each. The case was adjourned to November 18. Prosecutors must now consult the DPP’s office to determine whether the case will proceed in the High Court or be handled in the lower court.
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