Tokyo: Police have issued an arrest warrant for a mother accused of forcing her 12-year-old daughter into human trafficking at a massage parlor in Tokyo. Authorities are expanding the investigation to encompass all related networks to ensure justice is served.
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Thai Police have taken swift action in response to the case involving the 12-year-old Thai girl. Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Center, has traveled to Japan and Taiwan to discuss international cooperation to support victims and broaden the investigation to prosecute all involved parties.
The Japanese National Police Agency has already arrested Mr. Hosono, the Japanese owner of the massage parlor, on charges related to labor law violations and employing minors. Ms. Krittayaporn, a Thai national working at the parlor, faces charges of violating both immigration and entertainment venue control laws. An arrest warrant has been issued for the child’s mother, with the ongoing investigation aiming to dismantle the human trafficking networks involved. The Japanese National Police Agency has assured that the child is safe and under welfare protection, while efforts are being made to expedite her return to Thailand.
Taiwanese authorities have detained the mother, who allegedly coerced her daughter into prostitution, on charges of illegal prostitution under an invalid visa. She is under the custody of the Taiwan Immigration Bureau and could be extradited to Japan if legal proceedings allow. If not, she will be returned to Thailand for prosecution. Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasertphap, Commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, secured an arrest warrant for the mother, who faces grave charges of human trafficking and procuring for indecent acts against a descendant, crimes that could result in up to 20 years of imprisonment.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai emphasized that the National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch, prioritizes the child’s safe and swift return to Thailand. The police are also committed to investigating and prosecuting all connected trafficking networks. A working group has been established with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese National Police Agency to combat the illegal trafficking of Thais into Japan, aiming to prevent future incidents of human trafficking.