By Belize Live News Staff: A Salvadoran woman who came to Belize expecting a caregiving job says she instead faced threats, harassment and forced labour, according to police documents in a trafficking case now before the Dangriga court.
According to the police summary, the woman says she was recruited in El Salvador by 88 year old Emilio Zabaneh with a promise of US$500 a month to care for him, along with accommodation and paid travel.
She arrived in Belize on August 15, 2023. She told investigators that Emilio demanded sexual acts, which she refused, and that he then threatened to report her to immigration and have her jailed.
She also alleged that his son, Elvis Zabaneh, kept her passport despite her repeated requests and warned that she would be imprisoned if she tried to leave the family’s Havana Street property.
Police documents state she was fed only twice a day, slept on a small sofa and was allowed one shower daily. She further alleged that Elvis and his partner, Tersi Aguilar, made her sweep, mop, iron and clean bathrooms, even though she was hired only as a caregiver.
Instead of the promised US$500 a month, she reportedly received just BZ$150 during her stay, which she sent home to relatives.
On September 10, 2023, police removed her from the home in a rescue operation and placed her in the care of the Department of Human Services.
More than three years later, all three were formally charged. They have been granted bail and are due back in court on November 18.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
