Global Human Trafficking Sweep Leads to 1,000 Arrests, 2,000 Victims Rescued
More than 1,000 people have been arrested in a coordinated global operation against human trafficking, Interpol announced on Wednesday. The operation, called Global Chain, spanned 59 countries and targeted networks involved in sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced criminality, and coerced begging.
Authorities said they dismantled a network trafficking victims into online scamming operations in Cambodia, and another that forced underage girls recruited via social media into sex work in Europe. In total, 2,070 victims or potential victims were identified, the vast majority of whom were women. Of the arrests, 334 were for human trafficking and 690 for associated crimes.
Interpol coordinated the effort alongside Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, and Frontex, the European border agency. The operation's findings revealed evolving trafficking routes and methods, including an emerging trend of Latin American victims being trafficked for forced labour in Europe. About 10% of identified victims were minors from the Americas who were subjected to sexual exploitation.
As part of the operation, authorities in Colombia launched an airport prevention campaign to raise awareness about the risks of fraudulent job offers abroad. Interpol said Brazil's Federal Police had identified 406 victims — 83 Brazilians and 323 foreign nationals — of a transnational network trafficking victims to Cambodia, where they were forced into online scamming.
Interpol has issued notices targeting wanted suspects and persons of interest. The operation highlights the ongoing global effort to combat human trafficking, which remains a serious crime affecting millions worldwide.
