The Great Labor Exploitation Scam: Costa Rican Nationals Duped and Trafficked to the U.S.

The Deceptive Promise of a Better Life

In an audacious scheme that turned hopes into horrors, two individuals, Blake Doyley and Barley Anderson, have been apprehended for trafficking Costa Rican nationals for labor exploitation in the United States. This story unravels a well-orchestrated ruse, involving fake contracts and broken dreams.

Dawn Raids Reveal a Sinister Plot

Early morning raids conducted in three Limón residences laid bare the extent of this nefarious operation. The joint efforts of the Fiscalía Adjunta against Human Trafficking and Illegal Migrant Trafficking and the Professional Migration Police seized cash, receipts, phones, and electronic devices – all pieces of a sinister puzzle.

A Timeline of Treachery

The investigation, spanning from March 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, uncovered the duo’s elaborate plan. They, along with an unidentified accomplice, orchestrated the illegal trafficking of unsuspecting Costa Ricans, lured with the promise of lucrative jobs in the United States.

The Bait: $800 Weekly for a Nonexistent Job

The plot thickened as the suspects duped their victims with the allure of an $800 weekly wage at a fictitious U.S. company. The catch? An upfront payment of $1,200 for so-called legal procedures, facilitated by counterfeit contracts.

The Harsh Reality: Overworked and Underpaid

Upon reaching American soil, the cruel reality unfolded. Victims found themselves trapped in grueling, endless work cycles at hotels, laboring for over 14 hours a day without rest, paid far less than promised, and unable to leave their employment sites.

Legal Proceedings: The Quest for Justice

Now in the custody of the Public Ministry, Doyley and Anderson await their day in court. A hearing at the Limón Penal Court for precautionary measures is anticipated, as the case, recorded under file number 23-000030-1321-PE, continues to develop.

A Year Ago: The U.S. Embassy’s Prophetic Warning

Ironically, a year prior, the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica had sounded alarms about such criminal tactics. Their warning highlighted how traffickers deceive individuals with job offers and the lure of easy, free travel procedures to the U.S.

A Call to Vigilance: Spotting and Reporting Trafficking

The embassy underscored that traffickers prey on men, women, and children, exploiting their vulnerabilities. It urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicions of human trafficking through emergency services or the dedicated email address [email protected].