Charges Filed Against Three Family Members in Human Trafficking Case

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has filed charges against three family members in connection with a human trafficking case initiated under Article 132, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. Following extensive investigative actions and the gathering of substantial evidence, spouses L.K., born in 1960, and A.Q., born in 1971, are accused under Article 132.2, Part 2, Points 2 and 4 of the Criminal Code, while their son V.K., born in 2003, faces charges under Article 119, Part 2, Point 5, and Article 132.2, Part 2, Points 2 and 4.

The charges stem from actions taken by the family from December 2018 to June 2019, involving the trafficking or exploitation of A.I., who was a minor at the time and unable to fully understand the nature and implications of the situation. They placed A.I. in a state of exploitation, utilizing her vulnerability, deceiving her, and abusing her trust. They failed to pay her the agreed-upon wage for her work, keeping her in humiliating and inhumane conditions. Furthermore, the mother and son allegedly threatened her with violence to force her into labor.

Additionally, there is sufficient evidence that in 2018, the family's minor son and H.B., who worked as a milkmaid for L.K., caused mental suffering to the victim A.I. by forcing her to eat leftover food. During this time, H.B. reportedly struck A.I. with her hands and feet without cause, while V.K. recorded the incidents with his mobile phone, mocking A.I. as it unfolded.

The investigation is ongoing.