JIJ Helps Shut Down One of World's Leading Trafficking Rings

After nearly a three-year international investigation of one of the largest human trafficking rings in the world, over 30 traffickers from Israel, Russia, Belarus, and the Ukraine were arrested and indicted. While the case is still ensuing, trials have taken place in both Tel Aviv and Moscow, indicting the offenders on charges of human trafficking, forging of documents, kidnapping, rape, and blackmail through coercion and threats.

Two Israeli ringleaders were among those arrested. One is suspected of having exclusive control over the smuggling of women through the Israeli-Egyptian border, while the other is presumed to have presided over the process of selecting and selling women to traffickers in a Moscow apartment. As a result of the case, the largest European trafficking ring, which provided the majority of women for the prostitution industry in both Israel and Europe, has been completely shutdown. The results have apparently been felt in the field as visas from Russia to Israel are now being denied.

Upon conclusion of the investigation in August 2010, Rita Chaikin, anti-trafficking project coordinator of Isha L’Isha organization, traveled to Moscow in September to testify in a hearing involving 13 traffickers on trial for various offenses. While the case is still underway, Chaikin delivered a convincing and impressive testimony on the impact and ramifications of sexual exploitation of women in the prostitution industry.

During her testimony, verified documents were submitted citing concrete evidence of trafficking and exploitation. Among the documents, were also official, notarized translations of expert testimonies and opinions regarding the trauma and psychological effects of women required to testify in trials against their own traffickers. Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ), who works in close partnership with Isha L’Isha to combat domestic prostitution, human trafficking, and the overall global sex trade, financed the translations, strengthening the case against the 13 offenders.

After the hearing concluded, Chaikin left Moscow feeling confident that justice would be served and reparations granted to the victims. However, the severity of repercussions associated with sexual exploitation leave women’s lives forever scarred. “From my experience in working with women in prostitution, I realize that many will never be mothers, and many will return home infected by diseases,” Chaikin said. “Most, if not all, will suffer from severe trauma and wrestle with constant reminders of their past for the rest of their lives.”

In collaboration with other advocacy and social justice organizations, JIJ’s Project NOA (Not Objects Anymore), helps to mitigate the repercussions by providing financial assistance, legal representation, education, and support services to victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation. The institute regularly partners with Isha L’Isha, providing financial assistance to trafficking victims and their children.

Over 30 traffickers were arrested, including Israeli ringleaders of one of the world's leading trafficking rings

The case effectively shutdown the largest European trafficking ring, known to supply the majority of women to Europe and Israel's prostitution industry

JIJ, who works along side Isha L'Isha to combat human trafficking & domestic prostitution, financed notarized translations of expert opinions and testimonies submitted as evidence in the Moscow trial