47 young footballers, including 36 minors, were rescued by Portuguese police in a towing operation launched Monday against a human trafficking ring linked to a centre. training in northern Portugal, AFP reported. Thursday with services for foreigners and borders (SEF).
The victims, men from countries in Africa, Asia and South America, were placed in facilities “under state protection”, the same source said.
Two Portuguese and five companies were prosecuted as part of this operation, known as “El Dourado”, in which several “passports and residence permits” were seized.
According to local media, the victims are isolated on the campus of the Bsports football academy, in Riba d’Ave, near Vila Nova de Famalicao (north). Players must testify before a judge before returning to their home country.
One of the two indicted has been identified by the media as Mario Costa, one of the managers of the Bsports academy and president of the general assembly of the Portuguese football federation, a position he holds. resigned on Wednesday, claiming to have committed a no-fault. illegal.
Youth and Sports Minister Joao Paulo Correia responded, assuring that the government would “take measures” to combat this type of trafficking. Be human.
