Cuban nationals remanded on sex trafficking, passport withholding charges

Two Cuban nationals were remanded to prison on Monday after being charged with trafficking in persons and unlawfully withholding identification documents, including passports.

Raudel Ramirez Valverde and Yeniffer Maria Quevedo appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutors allege that between March 1 and April 19, 2026, the pair engaged in trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation at Amla Avenue, Prashad Nagar in Greater Georgetown.

They are also accused of, between April 11 and 12, 2026, acting as employment agents and unlawfully confiscating the passport of a complainant.
The prosecution objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offences and the risk of flight, arguing that the defendants were not Guyanese nationals and had limited ties to the country. It also alleged that the complainant was coerced into sex work upon arrival in Guyana and that her passport was withheld pending repayment of US$5,400.

The court heard further allegations that the complainant was forced to work to pay rent and was later taken to Melanie, where she encountered other Cuban nationals.

Valverde questioned aspects of the investigation and requested bail to obtain legal representation. The magistrate noted that legal counsel could be contacted by phone.

Bail was refused after the court found the defendants posed a flight risk, citing their lack of fixed addresses in Guyana. The matter was adjourned to May 28, 2026.