Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
A Venezuelan woman, identified as Sofia, was lured by a job advertisement on Facebook Marketplace promising work in Trinidad and Tobago with all expenses paid. The offer appeared legitimate after she spoke by phone with a person named Valentina, who was later revealed to be part of a trafficking network. Upon arrival, Sofia realized the promised employment was a ruse and that she had been trafficked for sexual exploitation.
Sofia recounted being kidnapped and forced to comply with her captors, living in fear for weeks. The traffickers also attempted to coerce her into recruiting other Venezuelan women using similar false job offers, a request she refused.
Her escape occurred during a routine task when she was sent outside to dispose of garbage. Seizing the opportunity, she left with a few belongings and entered a taxi, where she met a Dominican woman who sensed something was wrong. Sofia shared her situation, and the woman persuaded her to stop near a police station to seek help. This marked Sofia's first moment feeling safe since her arrival.
Following her rescue, national authorities and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Trinidad and Tobago provided Sofia with medical examinations, health screenings, counseling, and protection. The partnership between IOM and the country's Counter Trafficking Unit continues to support survivors through emergency food assistance, shelter, and mental health services.