Human Trafficking Suspect Arrested by SBPD

The San Bernardino Police Department has announced the arrest of a human trafficking suspect.

“The San Bernardino Police Department’s Vice Team was contacted by patrol officers regarding a potential human trafficking case. During the investigation, officers identified a victim and her suspected pimp, who was later identified as Sulema Banda. The suspect was arrested during the initial part of the investigation and found to be involved in the human trafficking of a victim. Banda was booked for felony violations of human trafficking of an adult, pimping and pandering an adult, and false imprisonment. She is currently being held in lieu of $200,000 bail.”

According to humanrightsfirst.org, an estimated 24.9 million victims are trapped in modern-day slavery. Of these, 16 million (64%) were exploited for labor, 4.8 million (19%) were sexually exploited, and 4.1 million (17%) were exploited in state-imposed forced labor. Forced labor takes place in many different industries.

“Human trafficking is an ongoing and growing problem often these suspects and victims are from outside the San Bernardino area.  These criminals come to our City and are keeping these victims against their will to work for them in prostitution,”  said John Echevarria, Sergeant Community Affairs Division / P.I.O. “By pulling them away from their connection to home and resources they become easier to exploit.  The San Bernardino Police Vice Team is working diligently to help end this scourge in our area by investigating these crimes thoroughly and seeing to a successful prosecutions so these suspects do not victimize anyone else.”

Community involvement plays an integral part in the fight against human trafficking, and law enforcement appreciates and encourages the assistance and information provided by the public. Anyone wishing to report activities or concerns related to human trafficking to the San Bernardino Police Department’s Vice Team can do so directly by calling (909) 384-5667 or by email at [email protected]. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME, or you may leave the information on the WE-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.