During the operation, seven people were arrested, including the alleged leader of the network, who is of Salvadoran origin.
Five Colombian women were rescued by authorities from two buildings operating as massage parlors in zones 14 and 15 of Guatemala City.
Through the Unit against Criminal Structures, in coordination with the metropolitan regional prosecutor and with the support of the National Civil Police, the operation known as “DMS” was carried out.
Additionally, as part of the financial investigation, bank accounts and vehicles belonging to members of the criminal organization known as “DMS” and/or “Ultra” were frozen.
The investigation established that this organization is dedicated to the recruitment, transportation, shelter, and detention of foreign victims, primarily of Colombian and Venezuelan origin, for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
The victims were held in businesses that operated as fronts for legitimate establishments, such as spas, bars, and formally registered restaurants, but whose actual activity was part of a human trafficking and money laundering scheme.
The operation consisted of seven searches, inspections, searches, and seizures of evidence at properties located in zones 14, 15, and 18 of Guatemala City, as well as in the municipality of San José Pinula.
Structure dismantled
As a result of the operation, seven people were arrested, with warrants issued by the First Instance Criminal Court with Specific Jurisdiction to Prosecute Human Trafficking Crimes in Guatemala:
•Irma M., alias “La Muñeca,” a Salvadoran national, was charged with human trafficking for sexual exploitation, criminal association, and money or other asset laundering. Two cell phones and a vehicle were seized from her.
•Fernando M., for the same crimes, whose cell phone and vehicle were seized.
•Consuelo G., a Salvadoran national, charged with promoting, facilitating, and aiding prostitution, criminal association, and money or other asset laundering. She was arrested at the Di Massimo SPA business, located in Zone 14, which was closed. Ten cell phones, computers, POS terminals, and cash were seized at the location. Three Colombian victims of sexual exploitation were also rescued.
•Joel G., also Salvadoran, was arrested at the Ultra building in Zone 15 for similar crimes. Five cell phones, computers, a POS terminal, and cash were seized at the scene. Two Colombian victims were rescued.
•Astrid C., for the crimes of promoting, facilitating, and aiding prostitution, criminal association, and money or other asset laundering. A cell phone was seized from her.
•Carlos R., for the crimes of human trafficking, criminal association, and money or other asset laundering. A cell phone and a computer were seized from him.
•Juventino G. was arrested in the department of Jutiapa for the same crimes. A cell phone and a computer were seized from him.