left home chasing a simple promise: a safe job and a chance to support their families. Instead, they were trafficked across borders and forced into a scamming operation guarded by armed men.
sold between operators, and told they would only be freed if they paid a ransom. When they refused to participate, the abuse escalated. Their identities were taken, and they were coerced into criminal activity, making them appear guilty instead of victims.
they managed to contact their families. Through coordinated efforts between LIFT, embassies, and international partners, they were rescued and brought home.
But freedom did not mean justice. They were initially treated as offenders under immigration law.
gathering psychological evidence and advocating for their recognition as trafficking survivors.
Eventually, the court reversed its position. One offender was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and the girls received compensation.
For them, the biggest victory was not financial. It was reclaiming their innocence.
