KATHMANDU, Jan 5: Seven Nepali and three Indian girls, who were victims of an organized crime syndicate that indulged in human trafficking, have been rescued, said Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday.

“We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organized crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa,” tweeted the Indian External Affairs Minister Swaraj.

According to Indian police, the girls were rescued in a joint operation by the High Commission of India in Nairobi and Kenya Police.

“We have flown our girls back to India. We are sharing details with Government of Punjab so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved,” she tweeted.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of Nepal to South Africa, Amrit Bahadur Rai said that the mission was working with Nepal’s Honorary Consulate in Nairobi. He further said that the rescued girls were in contact with the mission and the consulate will do everything to help the Nepali girls return home.

Several girls from South Asia including Nepal are trafficked in Kenya and other African countries for entertainment industries like dance bars through illegal channels and recruitment agencies.

According to Non-resident Nepali Association, Kenya around 500 Nepalis are staying in Kenya.