Azerbaijan, Baku, July 26 / Trend, K. Zarbaliyeva /
Some 63 crimes related to human trafficking were recorded in Azerbaijan in the first half of this year.
Some 15 people were brought to justice for these crimes and 26 people were identified as victims of human trafficking, the Interior Ministry's Department for Combating Human Trafficking said on Tuesday.
In these cases, the 15 people were prosecuted and 26 people were found to be victims of human trafficking, Trend was told at the Office of Ministry of Internal Affairs dealing with combating human trafficking issues.
During the same period last year, 57 such incidents were reported in the country: 21 people were brought to justice and 27 people determined to be victims of human trafficking.
The crimes revealed this year showed a pattern of illegal labor exploitation as a main motive for human trafficking, with citizens transported to Russia under the pretext of employment. At present, investigations are underway.
Another incident was related to the sale of a new-born baby, in which the baby's mother was detained while attempting to sell her child.
Other incidents reported were associated with women's sexual exploitation. The department said women were exported to Turkey, UAE, Iran, and Russia from Azerbaijan for sexual exploitation.
Some 18 people who became human trafficking victims were paid a one-time sum of 200 manat. Six people received assistance from the Fund for Assistance to Human Trafficking Victims.
Some 15 human trafficking victims were accommodated with placement in specialized shelters.