A German national has been arrested and charged with human trafficking and fraud after trying to take two Malagasy women to Croatia.
Michele Dottavio, EyeEm, Getty Images
A German national was arrested trying to take two Malagasy women, aged 32 and 29, to Croatia and faces charges of human trafficking and fraud.
Joachim Will, 56, appeared at Kempton Park Magistrates Court on Friday and will be remanded in custody for a week awaiting a bail hearing.
Will was arrested on April 30 by a joint police team led by the Westland Hawks Serious Organized Crime Investigation, working with Interpol, Crime Intelligence and Gauteng Border Police.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwarase said the women were captured by the Border Management Authority (BMA) along with Will.
“They tried to board a flight to Croatia at OR Tambo International Airport on April 19th. They were detected after inspection.” [in possession of] Fake Italian passport. The two women were subsequently arrested but later released.”
Read | Thai man arrested on suspicion of trafficking women in the name of employment opportunities
Nkwarase added that Will allegedly solicited the women through a dating site in Madagascar.
Will is said to have lured the women with promises of employment in Croatia and high monthly salaries.
“he [allegedly] He reportedly helped them travel to South Africa and provided them with fake Italian passports to travel from South Africa to Croatia.
“The operation was carried out by a multidisciplinary team, which resulted in Will's arrest,” Nkwaradze said.
Mr Will is scheduled to appear in court again on May 10 for a formal bail application.