
Panamanian authorities have arrested 15 people allegedly involved in running a human trafficking ring focused on getting Chinese migrants through the Darien Gap, the treacherous jungle path uniting Panama and Colombia that was used by over half a million people in their journey up north last year.
The presence of Chinese people has increased over the past years, becoming the fourth largest nationality when it comes to crossings in the area. However, recent actions throughout the region have been implemented to reduce the numbers.