An extensive operation led to significant arrests and victim rescues in a six-day crackdown on human trafficking, demonstrating ongoing efforts to combat this global crime.
Global Human Trafficking Operation Nets Over 150 Arrests Worldwide
Global Human Trafficking Operation Nets Over 150 Arrests Worldwide
A coordinated international crackdown on human trafficking identified more than 1,000 victims and made 158 arrests across multiple continents.
In a significant move against human trafficking, an international operation dubbed "Global Chain" has resulted in over 150 arrests and the identification of more than 1,000 victims worldwide. Spanning six days at the beginning of June, this comprehensive effort involved nearly 15,000 police officers from 43 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, as reported by Interpol.
The crackdown targeted organized criminal networks that exploit individuals—often minors—for purposes including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and solicitation. According to Europol, many of those trafficked for sexual exploitation are women recruited from foreign countries and coerced into prostitution within legitimate-looking establishments like massage parlors.
David Caunter, director of organized and emerging crime at Interpol, emphasized the heinous nature of human trafficking, describing it as a crime that undermines dignity and freedom, often affecting the most vulnerable, including children. The operation, which recorded 158 arrests and identified an additional 205 suspects, uncovered 1,194 potential victims.
Although the primary focus was on Europe, law enforcement activities also extended to locations such as Thailand, Nigeria, and Vietnam. For instance, police in Malta rescued three Colombian women—two sisters and their aunt—who had been lured with promises of cleaning jobs. Upon arrival, their passports were confiscated by the recruiter, leaving them vulnerable to coercion into prostitution.
In Austria, authorities apprehended seven individuals associated with a Romanian family gang that allegedly utilized the "lover-boy" strategy, exploiting women under the false pretense of romantic involvement. In Italy, police conducted raids on various massage parlors suspected of sexual exploitation, identifying 75 potential victims in the process.
The victims involved originated from 64 different countries, primarily Romania, Ukraine, Colombia, China, and Hungary. The operation also resulted in significant seizures, including €277,669 in cash, 30 firearms, 65 fake documents, and a ton of cannabis.
A similar operation conducted in the previous year led to the arrest of 200 individuals and the identification of over 1,300 victims, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in the fight against human trafficking.
The crackdown targeted organized criminal networks that exploit individuals—often minors—for purposes including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and solicitation. According to Europol, many of those trafficked for sexual exploitation are women recruited from foreign countries and coerced into prostitution within legitimate-looking establishments like massage parlors.
David Caunter, director of organized and emerging crime at Interpol, emphasized the heinous nature of human trafficking, describing it as a crime that undermines dignity and freedom, often affecting the most vulnerable, including children. The operation, which recorded 158 arrests and identified an additional 205 suspects, uncovered 1,194 potential victims.
Although the primary focus was on Europe, law enforcement activities also extended to locations such as Thailand, Nigeria, and Vietnam. For instance, police in Malta rescued three Colombian women—two sisters and their aunt—who had been lured with promises of cleaning jobs. Upon arrival, their passports were confiscated by the recruiter, leaving them vulnerable to coercion into prostitution.
In Austria, authorities apprehended seven individuals associated with a Romanian family gang that allegedly utilized the "lover-boy" strategy, exploiting women under the false pretense of romantic involvement. In Italy, police conducted raids on various massage parlors suspected of sexual exploitation, identifying 75 potential victims in the process.
The victims involved originated from 64 different countries, primarily Romania, Ukraine, Colombia, China, and Hungary. The operation also resulted in significant seizures, including €277,669 in cash, 30 firearms, 65 fake documents, and a ton of cannabis.
A similar operation conducted in the previous year led to the arrest of 200 individuals and the identification of over 1,300 victims, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in the fight against human trafficking.
