In brief
The raid follows the escape of four minors, leading to a deeper investigation into the activities of the controversial sect.
In a significant operation, Guatemalan officials conducted a raid on Friday at a compound owned by Lev Tahor, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect known for its past associations with child exploitation. The authorities reported that they rescued at least 160 children and teenagers, believed to be victims of human trafficking and various forms of abuse. Although no arrests were made during the operation, prosecutor Dimas Jiménez y Jiménez indicated that charges could follow, including human trafficking, forced pregnancy, child mistreatment, and potential rape. “We suspect these crimes were committed by a community member,” he stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations. Special prosecutor Nancy Lorena Paiz García revealed that authorities had discovered buried bodies at the site, prompting concerns about possible deaths of minors that need investigation.The raid was initiated after four non-Guatemalan minors managed to escape the compound in November and informed the authorities about their experiences. Both their accounts and corroborating medical evaluations indicated they had suffered from human trafficking. In a coordinated effort, approximately 480 law enforcement and psychological professionals were mobilized to secure the compound and bring the impacted minors to safety. The operation included the seizure of electronic devices to investigate potential child pornography and the use of dogs to detect human remains.This operation represents a broader investigation by Guatemalan authorities into the secretive Lev Tahor community, which consists of about 500 members living within a compound that is heavily secured near the Santa Rosa department, close to the country’s border with Mexico.
