Haitian child traffickers arrested

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Bolivian officials have detained three people suspected of trafficking 19 Haitian children following last month's devastating earthquake in the Caribbean nation.

Haitians Norvil Hugneau, 39, and Brevil Marie Dominque, 24, and Bolivian Nora Soliz Aguilera were charged with human trafficking "with the intent of work-related and sexual exploitation," said prosecutor Pura Cuellar.

The youngsters, ranging in age from six to 16, were among 76 Haitians who arrived in Bolivia last month saying they were survivors of the earthquake, Cuellar said.

The government granted them temporary tourist visas, but officials at Bolivia's child-protection agency became suspicious after noticing that many of the children were not accompanied by parents.

The agency notified authorities, who detained the suspects after speaking with a Haitian mother who arrived in Bolivia last week to reclaim a child.

"Because of her testimony, we were certain that these children were being transported illegally," Cuellar said in a telephone interview.

The prosecutor said the nine girls and 10 boys will stay in group homes "until their parents or relatives claim them or until Haitian authorities can clarify their situation."

Authorities are searching for nine other missing youngsters and are housing the other Haitian adults who arrived with the group in hostels while the investigation continues.

The alleged traffickers' final destination was Brazil, Cuellar said.

- AP