Three people detained during a major human trafficking operation in Tobago have been charged following an investigation into the alleged trafficking and sexual exploitation of a 17-year-old Venezuelan girl.

The Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) said Titus Du Bois, 41, Francis Carolina Rengel Ojeda, 26, and Damon Domonic Charles, 38, were formally charged on Wednesday, August 19, following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The charges stem from Operation Iceberg, described by the CTU as its first major intelligence-led human trafficking operation in Tobago.

Du Bois and Rengel Ojeda were jointly charged with harbouring and receiving a person for the purpose of exploitation, contrary to Section 16 of the Trafficking in Persons Act.

Rengel Ojeda and Charles were also jointly charged with harbouring a person for the purpose of exploitation, while Charles faces an additional charge of sexual penetration of a minor.

According to the CTU, the investigation began months before officers carried out coordinated operations across Trinidad and Tobago in July.

The operation unfolded in two phases between July 22 and 25.

Du Bois was arrested at Long Circular Road, St James, on July 22, while officers also searched his premises at Morne Coco Road, Petit Valley.

Rengel Ojeda was arrested in Scarborough, Tobago, on July 24, while Charles was intercepted and arrested the following day in Signal Hill.

During the Tobago operation, officers searched Charles’ residence on Aquamarine Drive, where three Venezuelan women, aged between 20 and 23, were encountered and screened.

Officers also conducted an exercise at Chill Out Bar on Milford Road, where five Latin American women between the ages of 22 and 44 were encountered and subsequently processed by Immigration Enforcement.

The investigation centres on allegations involving a 17-year-old Venezuelan national who investigators believe was deceived by what appeared to be a legitimate employment opportunity in Trinidad before being subjected to sexual exploitation.

The CTU said the investigation further alleges that the exploitation continued after the teenager believed she had escaped her circumstances and travelled to Tobago with the expectation of rebuilding her life before returning home.

Following their arrests, all three suspects were detained under Preventive Detention Orders pursuant to the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2026, while investigators continued gathering evidence.

The CTU said the charges represent the latest stage of the investigation and reflect its commitment to pursuing human trafficking cases and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.

Members of the public with information about suspected human trafficking are encouraged to contact the Counter Trafficking Unit.