A significant human trafficking case in Antigua, involving two men accused of trafficking 12 Indians, has been committed to the High Court. Alvin Goodwin and Kevorn Crump face serious penalties if convicted. The case dates back to February 2023 when 12 Indians, including a minor, were intercepted on a boat in Antigua’s waters, reportedly arriving from Dominica. The boat, owned by Crump, was being driven by Goodwin at the time of the interception. Following their arrest, both Goodwin and Crump were charged with human trafficking and conspiracy to traffic, alongside the illegal immigrants.
The adult immigrants involved in the case pleaded guilty to illicit entry into the country. They were fined $1,000 each and subsequently deported. Meanwhile, Goodwin and Crump were granted bail at the All Saints Magistrate’s Court under stringent conditions, including a bail sum of $200,000 with a cash component of $50,000.
In a recent court appearance before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, it was determined that the police had gathered sufficient evidence to escalate the case to the High Court. The evidence includes twenty potential pieces, and up to ten witnesses could be called should the case proceed to trial.
The defendants are set to be arraigned before a Judge in the High Court starting from January 2024. If they plead not guilty, a full trial will ensue. Under the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act of 2010, those found guilty of human trafficking can face up to 20 years in prison, with the sentence increasing to 25 years if the trafficking involves minors.
This case marks a significant development in the fight against human trafficking in the region, highlighting the legal system’s efforts to address and penalize such severe offenses.
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