A young Panamanian woman, lured with false promises of work, was trafficked to Spain and forced into sexual exploitation. Criminal elements in Colombia, Spain, and Panama were working together to recruit and transport women for this purpose, and she fell prey to their international network. Her freedom stripped, her documents confiscated, and her movements tightly controlled, she still managed to briefly escape supervision and call for help, which triggered an international response.
The Panama’s Judicial Investigation Directorate (DIJ), with support from Our Rescue, coordinated closely with Spanish National Police (SNP). Real-time intelligence from the survivor helped pinpoint her location in Madrid, where she was rescued.
Recognizing the broader trafficking network, the SNP obtained search warrants and invited DIJ agents from Panama to assist in follow-up raids and requested logistical support from Our Rescue. Our team coordinated logistics, and one of our team members accompanied the Panamanian officers to Spain.
Operation Puerta del Sol, a cross-border mission, exemplified the power of international collaboration. The SNP, Panamanian DIJ, and Our Rescue worked side by side on the ground during the operation.
Six suspects, three Colombians, two Spaniards, and one other, were arrested across two Spanish cities.
One survivor’s bravery triggered this powerful international cooperation, dismantling a trafficking ring and helping to reclaim lives.
This is what happens when we work together. Rise Up. Help us end human trafficking.