PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, May 29, CMC – The Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) of the Ministry of Homeland Security Friday said it has laid a total of 29 criminal charges against two Trinidad and Tobago nationals in connection with “Operation Purple Ryain”.
The CTU said that Operation Purple Ryain, is the intelligence-led human trafficking investigation which resulted in its first Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs) under the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2026.
According to the CTU, Ryan Anthony Mark, 46, faces 18 charges, while Sherwyn Marlon Guevarro, 44, had been slapped with 11charges.
It said that the charges include multiple offences under the Trafficking in Persons Act, including the alleged harbouring of two adult and two minor victims for the purpose of exploitation.
The accused also face several serious allegations under the Children Act and Sexual Offences Act, including sexual penetration of female children, causing a child to engage in sexual activity and buggery.
The CTU said that additional charges laid against one of the accused include allegations of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession and confiscation of identification documents, transporting a person for the purpose of exploitation of that person’s prostitution, administering dangerous drugs to a child, and money laundering related offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The CTU said that both men appeared before a Master of the High Court, Kimitria Gray, on Friday “where, due to the serious nature of the cases, bail was denied for both men”.
Homeland Security Minister, Roger Alexander said that the progression of the investigation reflects Trinidad and Tobago’s continued commitment to combatting trafficking in persons through decisive inter-agency action.
“What took place under Operation Purple Ryain was more than an investigation, it was the restoration of safety, dignity and hope for vulnerable persons who had been subjected to exploitation and abuse.
“The officers involved demonstrated the kind of professionalism, coordination and resolve required to confront organized criminal networks, and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains fully committed to supporting those efforts at every level,” he added.
The charges stem from coordinated operations and follow-up investigations conducted in Rio Claro, the largest town in southeastern Trinidad under “Operation Purple Ryain,” which was launched after intelligence received through INTERPOL indicated the existence of a a suspected human trafficking network operating in the area.
“The operation reflects the increasing use of intelligence-sharing, international cooperation and inter-agency coordination in identifying and disrupting transnational criminal activity,” the CTU said, adding that on March 7 this year, officers of the Counter Trafficking Unit executed a search warrant at a premises in Rio Claro, where 11 Venezuelan nationals were located. “Subsequent screening and investigative interviews resulted in four persons, including two minors, being formally identified as Victims of Trafficking (VoTs). Investigators uncovered evidence suggesting prolonged exploitation, physical abuse, confinement and other forms of violence against the victims.”
The CTU said that the initial operation resulted in the arrest and detention of Mark under the first Preventive Detention Order and that further intelligence gathering and targeted operational activity subsequently led to the arrest of Guevarro, “who was also detained under a Preventive Detention Order as investigators worked to dismantle what is believed to be a broader criminal network engaged in trafficking and exploitation”.
The CTU said that more people are expected to be charged as investigations remain ongoing and that the Unit “continues to pursue all investigative leads and remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for trafficking and exploitation are identified and held accountable under the law.
“Members of the public are reminded that human trafficking is a serious organized crime which disproportionately targets vulnerable persons, including women and children,” it said, adding “human trafficking is a crime against human dignity. Together, we can identify victims, disrupt traffickers and protect the vulnerable.”
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