Latest news with #HumanTrafficking
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Former Navy SEAL enters race to replace US Sen. Tommy Tuberville in Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson on Wednesday launched a campaign to run for a U.S. Senate seat representing Alabama, promising to be 'a warrior for President Trump's America First Agenda' if he is elected. The written announcement came just a day after current Republican U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville announced that he is running for governor of the state next year. In Hudson's written announcement, he identified as a Christian conservative and aligned himself with both President Donald Trump and Tuberville, the latter of whom entered politics after a successful career as a head football coach at Auburn University. 'Coach Tuberville has been a force in Washington because he's not a career politician. He's a political outsider and a straight shooter. So is Jared Hudson,' the announcement read. Hudson said he is a former Navy SEAL who now runs a nonprofit that fights human trafficking. Hudson previously ran for sheriff of Birmingham in 2022 but lost to the Democratic candidate, according to 'I've spent my life taking the fight to America's enemies. Now it's time to continue the mission in Washington,' said Hudson. Hudson's campaign website doesn't have specific policy positions, but states that he will 'secure the border, crush the woke agenda, and defend our Christian values.' He also said he would support cutting 'taxes to get our economy working for hardworking Alabamians.' Tuberville is expected to be a formidable entry in the race to succeed current Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, who cannot run again because of term limits. His announcement came after months of speculation .
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
Govt notifies policy to combat human trafficking, witch-hunting
1 2 3 Guwahati: The Assam govt notified a state policy on Friday aimed at combating human trafficking and witch-hunting, with the objective of enabling all people to live a life of equal worth and free from abuse. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in a post on X handle said, "The Assam State Policy to Combat Human Trafficking and End Witch-Hunting is now officially notified. A significant move to safeguard human rights and uphold dignity." The notification, issued by an order of the governor on May 6, stated the policy would come into effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette. The policy envisions a state where every individual can reach their full potential by living a life of equal worth and free from abuse, with the opportunity to participate equally in both private and public spheres. The stated mission is to "provide a safe and equal society wherein all individuals can claim their entitlements and access all services, lead a life free from all kinds of violence, experience an enhancement in their capabilities and exercise control over their life circumstances through convergence and synergies among all departments for promoting safety and security." Acknowledging the disproportionate impact of human trafficking and witch-hunting on women and girls, the policy notes that while human trafficking is an organised crime and the fastest growing criminal enterprise, witch-hunting is usually a social crime, rooted in deep-seated regressive cultural practices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Charming Lake District Cottage Rentals Yahoo! Search Results | Search Ads Learn More Undo Assam's geographical location, bordering six other northeastern states as well as Bangladesh and Bhutan, is described by the policy as 'critical'. The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2018, seeks to address witch-hunting, categorising it as a cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable offence. While visible reductions in witch-hunting cases occurred since the implementation of this law, the crime has not been eradicated, Assam Police data shows 32 cases registered between 2022 and 2024. "In the above context, there is an urgent need to develop a well-designed comprehensive policy to cover all areas of intervention, ensuring prevention, protection and rehabilitation of survivors of trafficking and witch-hunting. Apart from ensuring the rights of the survivors, the area of preventing such crime and prosecuting culprits is also an area of urgent intervention," the policy stated. The department of women and child development will act as the nodal department for implementation. Other departments will be assigned roles as core or allied departments/stakeholders. Committees at the state, district, and gaon panchayat levels are to be established for interventions as needed.
The Guardian
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Tracking down Evo Morales, Bolivia's fugitive ex-president, in his jungle hideout
In a remote corner of central Bolivia, hundreds of coca farmers have armed themselves with sticks and makeshift shields to protect the country's former president, Evo Morales. For nearly 14 years, he dominated national politics and oversaw a gas-fueled economic boom that lifted millions out of poverty. Today, he is in hiding after an arrest warrant accused him of statutory rape and human trafficking. Tiago Rogero gained access to his hideout in the depths of the Bolivian jungle
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
19 men, ages 21-68, arrested in 4-day human trafficking operation in Georgia
MUSCOGEE COUNTY, Ga. - Nineteen men ranging in age from 21 to 68 have been arrested in a four-day human trafficking operation in Georgia targeting online predators who attempted to exploit children. What we know Dubbed Operation Lights Out, the undercover sting was led by the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The operation ran from April 25 to April 27 and involved 12 law enforcement agencies from across Georgia and beyond. According to officials, the suspects engaged in sexually explicit communication online with people they believed to be minors and arranged to meet them for sex. Some traveled to do so, unaware they were actually interacting with undercover agents. Authorities say both boys and girls were targeted. What they're saying "These predators will travel from near and far to victimize your children," said a statement from the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office. "We take these crimes against children very seriously." Officials urged parents to closely monitor their children's online activity, warning that many predators use social media and internet chat platforms to make contact with minors and introduce them to sexual content. What's next Several of the suspects face charges under Georgia's Human Trafficking law, while others were charged under the Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act. Three of the men arrested are also subject to ICE detainers due to their immigration status. Those arrested include: Isael Alvarez, 43, Columbus, GA – Human Trafficking, ICE detainer Marquise Anderson, 37, Seale, AL – Human Trafficking Darnell Brooks, 40, Box Springs, GA – Human Trafficking Roger Burkes, 62, Columbus, GA – Computer/Child Exploitation charges Javious Davenport, 30, LaGrange, GA – Human Trafficking Kevin Edosmwan, 38, Atlanta, GA – Computer/Child Exploitation charges Jonathan Evans, 46, LaGrange, GA – Human Trafficking Galvin Gordey, 44, Pittsview, AL – Human Trafficking Muhammed Gwandu, 68, Ontario, Canada – Human Trafficking, ICE detainer Gene Melner, 37, Palatine, IL – Human Trafficking Greggory Meeks, 45, LaGrange, GA – Human Trafficking Colton McLamb, 23, Valley, AL – Computer/Child Exploitation charges Zidarius Poole, 21, Columbus, GA – Computer/Child Exploitation charges Hunter Salmi, 22, Phenix City, AL – Computer/Child Exploitation charges Marco Santos Chavez, 30, Fort Payne, AL – Human Trafficking, ICE detainer Anthony Seldon, 34, Columbus, GA – Human Trafficking, Fleeing, Obstruction, Reckless Driving Cameron Shelley, 25, Columbus, GA – Human Trafficking Jungmok Shin, 33, Phenix City, AL – Human Trafficking Carl Sprayberry, 32, Columbus, GA – Human Trafficking Additional arrests and charges may follow as the investigation continues. Agencies involved in the operation: Muscogee County Sheriff's Office Georgia Bureau of Investigation Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) U.S. Secret Service Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division Forsyth, Cherokee, Jasper, and Colquitt County Sheriff's Offices Polk County Police Department Gwinnett County Police Department Officials say this will not be the last human trafficking operation conducted in Georgia as law enforcement remains focused on ending child exploitation.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Call a spade a spade:' Kentucky sextortion bill clears committee
Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, is sponsoring a bill to increase criminal penalties for sexual exploitation. (Photo by LRC Public Information) This story discusses sexual extortion. Report sexual extortion to the FBI at 1-800-335-5324. The Human Trafficking help hotline is 1-888-373-7888. Chat live: FRANKFORT — A Kentucky bill aimed at toughening penalties for sexual extortion passed unanimously out of a Senate committee Thursday. Senate Bill 73 would make sexual extortion — or sextortion — a felony. The bill can head to the Senate floor for a full chamber vote now. After discussion in the Senate Judiciary Committee, a provision in the bill that requires schools to educate children about what sextortion is may be updated via amendment to clarify any educational materials be age appropriate. The bill, which would also make it easier to collect legal damages from a perpetrator, addresses instances when someone obtains a sexually explicit photo and threatens to release it if the victim doesn't meet their demands, which could be monetary, sexual or other kinds of blackmail. Kentucky urged to increase criminal penalties, education to protect kids from 'sextortion' SB 73 sponsor Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, held her cell phone up to committee members during her presentation. 'This bill is important because kids have these in their hands at an extraordinarily young age,' she said. 'They are all potential victims.' Sara Collins, a Louisville attorney who litigated a high-profile sextortion case in Jefferson County, said Kentucky law just 'doesn't address what this is.' 'We cannot adequately treat this problem; we cannot maximize our power and protect the citizens of the commonwealth until we call a spade a spade and address what this is,' she told the committee. 'It is a sex crime, and we must call it what it is, treat it appropriately in order to hold predators accountable and in order to protect and help victims.' Children are often targets of sextortion, advocates said when discussing the bill in a Wednesday news conference. But, they stressed,anyone can become a victim. 'While sextortion is a tremendous issue with teens and young adults, I think it's important to remember, especially with (artificial intelligence) generated images, that every person is vulnerable,' Collins told the committee Thursday. 'As long as you have something to lose, you become vulnerable.' Lady Tee Thompson, a national human trafficking expert, said predators know and exploit the fact that very few sexual extortion cases lead to convictions. 'This isn't just about legislation or partisanship or policy, it's about humanity,' Thompson said. 'Our children are not collateral damage. They are not bargaining chips in the future, and we are failing them against digital exploitations and online harms.' Advocates, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations offer these tips for staying safe online: Close or cover the camera lens on cell phones, computers and other devices, especially when undressing or changing clothes. Assume cameras can be activated remotely. Do not undress with a camera lens pointed at you. Be careful what you share online. Report suspicious behavior. Block suspicious accounts. Don't accept a friend request from anyone online that you don't know in real life. Don't give any personal contact info to anyone you don't know in real life. If someone you don't know asks for personally identifying information, do not comply. Do not share your passwords with anyone. Don't use passwords that may be easy to guess. Don't click on links in emails when they come from people you don't know. For parents: teach kids to report threats. Discuss online safety with them and encourage them to disclose when they receive suspicious communication. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
