Florida Couple Arrested for Trafficking Cuban Women into Prostitution

A man and woman from Miami-Dade, Florida have been arrested on charges of human trafficking and prostitution involving two Cuban women. Vicenta Polanco, 30, and Luis Ariel Escalante, 24, are accused of smuggling the women into the United States and coercing them into prostitution.

According to the victims, Polanco and Escalante offered to cover their travel expenses from Cuba to the U.S. and promised them employment as exotic dancers. However, once the women arrived, the couple allegedly confiscated their passports and legal documents as collateral and pressured them into working as prostitutes.

The victims said they were required to see four to five customers per day, seven days a week, with Escalante collecting the money from the clients. When the women demanded their documents back, Polanco reportedly refused and told them they needed to pay off a debt of $10,000 to $12,000.

Why this matters: This case highlights the ongoing problem of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of vulnerable immigrant women in the United States. It also underscores the need for increased efforts to combat these crimes and support victims.

The victims eventually contacted the police, leading to the arrest of Polanco and Escalante. A search of the couple's apartment uncovered $9,000 in cash, eight mobile phones, three laptops, and two iPads. Polanco and Escalante have been appointed public defenders and are being held without bond.

"These women were lured to the United States with promises of a better life but instead were trapped in a nightmare of sexual slavery," said Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle in a statement. "We will not tolerate this kind of exploitation in our community and will work tirelessly to bring human traffickers to justice." The investigation into the trafficking operation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify any additional victims or perpetrators involved.

Key Takeaways

• Two Miami-Dade residents arrested for human trafficking of Cuban women.
• Victims were promised jobs as exotic dancers but forced into prostitution.
• Traffickers confiscated victims' passports and demanded $10,000-$12,000 debt payoff.
• Police search uncovered cash, phones, and electronics linked to the operation.
• Authorities continue investigating to identify any additional victims or perpetrators.