Two police officers from San Cristóbal de la Barranca were charged this Monday after being accused of participating in a human trafficking case.
According to the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office, officers Marvin “N” and Ernesto “N” were arrested on May 26 by the State Police when they allegedly attempted to transport two young men from Michoacán in a patrol car. They had been contacted through Facebook with false promises of employment.
What did the judge who conducted the hearing rule?
During the hearing, a supervisory judge ordered both officers to remain in preventive detention for one year while the corresponding investigations are carried out.
Authorities stated that it was a joint operation, and an intermediate hearing is expected to be held in the coming weeks to determine the course of the criminal proceedings.
How were the officers arrested?
It was at the bus station that one of the young men, noticing suspicious behavior from a woman waiting for them, asked for help from state officials. The officers interrogated the woman, who displayed evasive and nervous behavior, unable to clearly explain the alleged employment.
Minutes later, two men arrived at the scene who, according to initial investigations, were in charge of taking the young men to the aforementioned municipality. They identified themselves as Ernesto “N” and Marvin “N,” police officers from San Cristóbal de la Barranca. They were detained and taken into custody by a Public Prosecutor’s Office agent.
The officers claimed to be relatives of the mayor of San Cristóbal de la Barranca, to which Karina Guzmán, the mayor of the municipality, responded categorically against the request through the city’s social media channels.
Tips to protect yourself from scams
Do not share numbers or passwords for accounts, credit cards, or Social Security numbers.
After listening to a sales pitch, take time to compare prices. Ask for information in writing and read it carefully.
Too good to be true? Ask yourself why someone is trying so hard to give you a “good deal” or a good offer. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Be wary of offers that are only “good today” and that pressure you to act quickly.
Be suspicious if you are not given enough time to read a contract, or seek legal advice before signing.
Be wary if you are told you have to pay the seller quickly, for example, by electronically sending money or mailing it.
Never pay in advance for a promised prize.
Be suspicious of a scam if you are forced to pay fees or taxes to receive a prize or any other financial gain.
Source: milenio
