Edmond Campbell, Senior News Coordinator

What appeared to be a massive scam involving 700 passports that went missing at the Immigration and Passport Division of the Ministry of National Security has been smashed by the police, resulting in nine arrests and the recovery of 12 passports.

Twelve employees at the Immigration and Passport Division were also suspended.

The missing passports was discussed yesterday by Cabinet, as the Portia Simpson Miller-led administration deliberated on Jamaica's National Plan of Action to prevent and punish persons involved in the trafficking in persons.

Information Minister Donald Buchanan sought to assure journalists that there was no indication that the passports were used for the purpose of human trafficking.

When pressed to get further details on the missing passports, Mr. Buchanan said he could not provide details about when and how those passports disappeared from the passport office.

Meanwhile, legislation to crack down on persons involved in the trafficking in persons is to be tabled in Parliament next week.

Mr. Buchanan told journalists at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House yesterday that the Prevention, Suppression and Punishment of Trafficking in Persons Act 2006, was in its final stages of review.

Under the proposed law, individuals caught trafficking in persons could face a fine of up to $1 million while a corporate entity could be asked to pay $5 million by the courts.

Companion legislation

He said other companion legislation includes the introduction of measures to combat cybercrime and child pornography.

Jamaica has been placed on a tier 2 list by the United States Government for its action or inaction in the fight against trafficking in persons.

At present, eight cases involving trafficking in persons are before the Supreme Court, Resident Magistrate's Court and the Children's Court as a result of breaches of the Child Care and Protection Act.

The Information Minister also reported that investigations into 12 trafficking in persons breaches have resulted in convictions and fines totalling $175,000 and four deportations.