Lawyers to appear in court for unlawful adoption of baby

TWO central based lawyers and the 32-year-old wife of a Spanish translator assigned to the Ministry of National Security, will appear before a Tunapuna magistrate tomorrow charged with the unlawful adoption of a baby boy.

Arrangements were being made late yesterday for the lawyers to surrender to the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) Officers led by Alana Wheeler.

The translator's wife was detained at her central home yesterday and was taken into custody by CTU officers.

The arrest came after several months of investigation, which began in early October.

The baby's mother, a Venezuelan, who gave birth in September, was allegedly coerced in selling her baby for US $2,000. She was also advised by the wife of the translator to return to Venezuela because she had overstayed her time. However, the young mother went to the TT consulate in Venezuela and reported the matter. Counter-Trafficking officers were alerted and an investigation was mounted. A Trincity pilot and his Italian born wife, who allegedly purchased a baby illegally, were questioned by CTU officers. The baby was taken away from the couple and placed under the care of the Children's Authority. On Tuesday, the couple was detained and will appear before a magistrate at the third Tunapuna Magistrate today, charged jointly with the two attorneys and the 32-year-old Central woman. A sixth person is also expected to be charged.