DPP to closely look at evidence in human trafficking trial

The Director of Public Prosecutions will closely look at the evidence that came out of the Inoke Raikadroka and Mohammed Sagaitu human trafficking trial before deciding on further steps.

During the course of the trial, some names were revealed in the court.

This related to some clients who allegedly had sex with the girls aged between 15 and 17 years and another pimp who was allegedly using the girls for sex services prior to them moving to Raikadroka and Sagaitu.

When questioned on these issues, DPP, Christopher Pryde confirmed to Fijivillage that any issues that require further investigation will be forwarded to the police for their follow up.

Meanwhile High Court Judge, Justice Paul Madigan has concurred with the guilty opinion of the three assessors in the human trafficking trial of Inoke Raikadroka and Mohammed Sagaitu.

Justice Madigan found the two guilty and highlighted that Raikadroka and Sagaitu face the maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment.

Raikadroka was found guilty for all the seven counts of domestic trafficking in children and slavery while Sagaitu has been found guilty for two counts of trafficking in children.

When reviewing the evidence, Justice Madigan said Raikadroka arranged all clients for the girls and kept all the money.

He bought food, clothes, alcohol and shoes and paid for the apartment from the money collected from sex work.

Judge Madigan said Raikadroka moved the operations to a flat in Raiwai and at the time of the offence, the girls were 15 and 17 years old.

These girls became a product of Raikadroka having to work for him.

There is evidence that Raikadroka beat the girls because they were his products but he denied this in the trial.

He said there is evidence that the girls were previously working with a Darren before Raikadroka took ownership of them.

He said for the second accused, Mohammed Sagaitu, the girls gave clear evidence in the trial of him transporting the girls by taxi, knowing it was for sex work.

Defense Counsels, Seremaia Savou and Romanu Vananalagi gave their written submissions today.

Raikadroka and Sagaitu have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Monday.