DUSHANBE, October 8, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- Ms. Gulnora Yusupova from the Tajik northern city of Istaravshan has been detained on suspicion of having been involved in trafficking in persons, according to the Ministry of Interior (MoI). 

The source at a MoI told Asia-plus that Yusupova was detained in Dushanbe’s Firdavsi district on October 6.   

“In May this year, Gulnora Yusupova promised a 26-year-old man high-paid job in Turkey,” said the source, “The young man agreed but actually he became victim of merciless exploitation and slave labor at one of Turkish construction company.”  “As a matter of fact, Yusupova sold him into bondage for 5,000 US dollars.”   

            He further added that with support of the Tajik Embassy in Ankara, the young man had been returned home.  

Criminal proceedings have been instituted against Yusupova; she faces charge of trafficking in persons.  If convicted, Yusupova could face up to eight years in prison