25 February 2019

Police investigate death of woman believed to be human trafficking victim

| Lachlan Roberts
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Police are investigating the death of a Thai national in 2017 after a separate investigation revealed she may be a victim of human trafficking.

On 24 August 2017, Paweena Dumdee died at the Canberra Hospital due to a brain haemorrhage believed to be caused by drug use. Her death was not reported to police at the time.

A year later, 57-year-old Jamaree Suksom was arrested and charged with allowing five unlawful female citizens to work after raids on two Canberra brothels Pink Girls and Chok Dee Massage.

After allegations that women were being imported from Thailand for sexual services, police believe Ms Dumdee may have been a victim of exploitation by traffickers or the operators of Chok Dee Massage in Fyshwick, where she worked.

The ACT Coroner is now calling for information about Ms Dumdee and wants to know more about her activities, her health during her time in Australia, and her place of employment.

ACT Policing, who is conducting the investigation for the Coroner, is looking for Ms Dumdee’s family members, some of whom they believe may be in Sydney, and other people who worked at Chok Dee Massage in 2017.

Police are calling for anyone with any information about Ms Dumdee during her time in Australia or about drugs suspected of being supplied to workers at Chok Dee Massage, to contact Crime Stoppers.

Anyone who can provide any information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

Please quote reference 6295583. Information can be provided anonymously.

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