Police calling for witnesses in human trafficking investigation

Under investigation
Publish date: Wednesday, 27 September 2023, Publish time: 8:35am

Following previous search warrant activity into alleged human trafficking and slavery, ACT Policing is now seeking community assistance to support the continuing investigation.

Police would like to speak with anyone who attended Lollipop’s Playland and Cafe in Majura Park on the 18th of February this year (2023) between the hours of 10am and 5pm. 

ACT Policing acknowledges that this request for witnesses relates to a specific day earlier this year, however the venue is regularly used for events and gatherings such as birthdays or play groups.  

Police are hopeful that anyone who had a booking, attended an event or was simply a walk-in patron on the 18th of February will make contact with police as soon as possible.  

Anyone who attended the business on this date is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.com.au referencing Operation Paxton.  

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Police are urging everyone to be on the lookout for cases of human trafficking and slavery.    

Signs that someone may be a victim of human trafficking include:   

  • The person appears reluctant to travel, and/or their movements appear to be controlled by another person;  

  • The person does not have a passport or another form of identity or the person can't access them;  

  • The person is subject to poor living or working conditions;  

  • The person never or rarely leaves their house for non-work reasons;  

  • The person has little or no money or no access to their earnings;  

  • The person has physical injuries which may have resulted from assault, harsh treatment or unsafe work practices; or  

  • The person is always in the presence of their employer or another person, who does not want or allow them to socialise with others. 

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MEDIA ENQUIRIES   

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070,  act-police-media@afp.gov.au   

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