A human trafficking network has been dismantled in Antananarivo following the interception of a young woman destined for forced marriage in China at Ivato airport. Four suspects have been placed in provisional detention.

Police thwarted a human trafficking operation discovered at Ivato airport late last week. After thorough questioning, it was established that a young woman was to be sent to China and had been promised a substantial sum of money to marry a Chinese national. The network organizing this human trafficking has been dismantled. Three women and one man are implicated in the case. All are currently in provisional detention.

A young girl destined for China was suspected of being a human trafficking victim after being intercepted at Ivato by police responsible for border and airspace protection.

The investigation was then handed over to officers from the special investigations unit responsible for combating fraud and human trafficking. "The investigation and searches established that this young girl was to be married to a Chinese man and promised 10 million ariary upon arrival in China after the wedding ceremony. The network organizing this operation was identified. The four individuals were arrested while still preparing another woman's departure for China. Five counterfeit stamps, numerous documents, and ten Malagasy passports were found in their possession," the National Police stated.

The dismantled network appears to be well-established, as it is confirmed that several women have already been sent to China. The network's profits are estimated at 100 million ariary per woman. Some victims, after being deceived and trapped in marriages with Chinese nationals, reportedly suffered abuse.