Operation identifies 2,070 trafficking victims across 59 countries

More than 1,000 people were arrested during a coordinated international operation that targeted human trafficking across 59 countries. The operation, conducted between 8 and 12 June, involved 40,000 officers in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. It focused on trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced labour, criminality, and coerced begging.

Arrests and victim identification Of the arrests, 334 were for human trafficking and 690 were for associated crimes. An additional 201 suspects were identified during the operation. Authorities identified 2,070 victims or potential victims. The vast majority were women, and most were trafficked for sexual exploitation.

About 20 percent were forced into criminality, 11 percent into labour, and 2 percent into forced begging.

Specific networks dismantled One network trafficking victims into online scamming in Cambodia was dismantled. Brazilian Federal Police identified 406 victims of this network, including 83 Brazilians and 323 foreign nationals. Another network that recruited underage girls via social media and forced them into sex work in Europe was also dismantled.

Belgian authorities arrested 17 suspects connected to this network.

Additional findings and actions About 10 percent of identified victims were minors from the Americas who were subjected to sexual exploitation. An emerging trend of Latin American victims being trafficked for forced labour in Europe was also noted. Two Bolivian child victims forced to work in a grocery store were rescued by Argentinian police.

Colombian authorities launched an airport awareness campaign about fraudulent job offers abroad. Interpol notices have been issued for wanted suspects and persons of interest. Victims identified during the operation were referred to national protection and support services, and 465 investigations were launched as a result.