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By Rolynda Jonathan
The Republic of Palau is cracking down on any illegal activities involving human trafficking.
Last week, the Attorney General’s office executed a search warrant on HBO, a local establishment as part of an investigation.
Attorney General Victoria Roe told OTV that details about the investigation cannot be shared because a case has not been filed yet.
OTV also contacted HBO owner who said their fully cooperating with the investigation.
Asked whether the investigation on human trafficking would help address Palau’s Tier level, Roe says the AG’s office is actively investigating and convicting human trafficking cases, which also helps to raise Palau’s Tier level.
Palau is currently ranked as a Tier 2 country in the U.S. Department of State’s 2013 Trafficking in Persons report.
The ranking means the country’s government does not fully comply with the minimum standards of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, but is making significant efforts.
Roe says the AG’s office is taking human trafficking cases seriously and is taking pro-active steps in addressing them.
In May, the Republic filed the biggest human trafficking and prostitution case in court following months of investigation.