A human trafficker, who was declared wanted by Azerbaijani law-enforcement bodies, died in Pakistan, Chief of Department to Combat Human Trafficking of the Interior Ministry Javid Shikhaliyev said.

He noted that quite perfect legislative basis was formed in Azerbaijan in this sphere: “Sometimes false reports on increase of human trafficking victims in Azerbaijan are delivered to the US Department of State. I discussed it with Ambassador Matthew Bryza. I thank the US embassy and other international organizations for their close cooperation with us”.

Shikhaliyev underlined that Azerbaijan was seriously struggling against the human trafficking.

4037 raids were held in construction sphere and no facts of violation of labor exploitation rules were found. He noted that in the reports of some international organizations there is information that children are involved in forced labor in the sphere of cotton and tobacco production: “We conducted monitoring in about 10 regions, but no facts on involvement of children in forced labor were found”.

Shikhaliyev said that 70 human traffic facts on human trafficking have been recorded in Azerbaijan this year, 4 criminal groups were neutralized and 18 criminals were disclosed. 3 internationally wanted persons were detained and brought to investigation. 17 persons are internationally wanted now. One human trafficker has recently died in Pakistan. 2 criminal facts have been recorded this year on forced labor.