Tengrinews.kz — During a large-scale operation against international human trafficking networks, police in 59 countries detained more than 1,000 people worldwide, citing Interpol.
The operation, code-named Global Chain, took place from June 8 to 12 and brought together law enforcement agencies from countries in Africa, North and South America, Asia and Europe. It targeted criminal networks involved in sexual exploitation, forced labor, forcing people into criminal activity and begging.
More than 1,000 detained and over 2,000 victims identified
During the operation, 334 people were detained on suspicion of human trafficking, and another 690 were detained for related crimes. Checks were carried out at borders, airports, transport hubs and locations that had previously appeared in investigations. In total, law enforcement officers identified 2,070 victims of human trafficking and launched 465 investigations.
Brazil, Argentina and Belgium: the most high-profile cases of the operation
According to Interpol, the victims came from 45 countries. The largest number of victims were citizens of Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, as well as Moldova and Nepal. Many of them had been taken abroad after being deceived, coerced or exploited because of their vulnerable situation.
Among the most notable cases:
- Brazil’s Federal Police dismantled a transnational network that trafficked people to Cambodia, where they were forced to take part in online fraud. Law enforcement officers identified 406 victims — 83 Brazilian citizens and 323 foreigners. International searches for suspects were also launched.
- In Argentina, two underage Bolivian citizens who had been exploited for forced labor in a grocery store were rescued during two raids. The investigation established the existence of a larger exploitation network.
- In Belgium, 17 people were detained after a criminal group that recruited underage girls through social media was dismantled. According to investigators, the victims were held against their will and forced into prostitution in Belgium and France.
One in ten victims was a child
Interpol noted that criminal networks continue to change their routes and methods. New trends include the use of fake job offers abroad, forced labor in Europe and the recruitment of people into criminal activity in Southeast Asian countries.
About 10 percent of the identified victims were minors subjected to sexual exploitation. All victims were referred to protection and support services.