Authorities: Fort Lee Police Uncover Human Trafficking, Prostitution Ring

The Fort Lee Police Department uncovered an on-going prostitution and human trafficking ring earlier this week, authorities announced.

Two men, Yadir Araujo, and John Gaudin both 32, allegedly recruited and employed two juvenile girls to work for them as prostitutes in and around North Jersey, said Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli.

A Fort Lee police officer noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near a motel with a male in it; the man, later identified as Araujo, had several condoms and a woman’s purse in the car, Molinelli said. Araujo showed the officer a room in the motel where a 17-year-old girl was “working,” said Molinelli.

Gayan DeSilva, 34, of Englewood, was in the room with the girl; he allegedly paid Araujo to have sex with the girl, Molinelli said.

A subsequent investigation revealed that Araujo and Gaudin hired the girl and her 17-year-old sibling to work for them as prostitutes, authorities said.

Araujo and Gaudin would drive the siblings to appointments, which were set up online, at various locations, including motels, Molinelli said.

Authorities found guns, cell phones, computers, and other items used to run an illegal credit card fraud operation out of Gaudin’s Parlin home.

Araujo and Gaudin were each charged with three counts of human trafficking, two counts of promoting child prostitution, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. They were sent to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail each with no 10 percent option.

DeSilva was charged with human trafficking, engaging in child prostitution, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was sent to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail with no 10 percent option.

Pictured, from left, are: Yadir Araujo, John Gaudin, and Gayan DeSilva.