Alleged traffickers granted bail after four-year remand

Lum Bing and Zhang Yong were granted bail in the sum of $5000 with two non-related sureties who have signed a surety bond of $5000 each.

Laojindamanee and Bing are charged with two counts each of aggravated trafficking in person, Yong is charged with two counts each of domestic trafficking in person and Zhong is charged with two counts each of sexual servitude.

Two men who are charged with relation to being involved in a group who were allegedly bringing Thai nationals to Fiji have been released on bail after being in custody for more than four years. British national Lum Bing, and Fijian national Zhang Yong, were both released on bail yesterday by the High Court in Suva. The matter was called before judge, Justice Achala Wengappuli. They are charged together with Thai national Phanat Laojindamanee who is still in remand and Fijian national Janson Zhong who is also on bail. Laojindamanee and Bing are charged with two counts each of aggravated trafficking in person, Yong is charged with two counts each of domestic trafficking in person and Zhong is charged with two counts each of sexual servitude. The alleged incident occurred sometime in September, 2012. Bing and Yong were granted bail in the sum of $5000 with two nonrelated sureties who have signed a surety bond of $5000 each. The duo has a curfew imposed on them from 8pm to 7am every day and they must not leave Viti Levu. Bing, Yong and Zhong are represented by defence lawyer Barbara Malimali, of Pacific Chambers, and Laojindamanee is represented by Legal Aid Commission lawyer, Priya Lal. The case has been adjourned to January 30 next year. Edited by Rusiate Mataika