Over a thousand people arrested in international operation against human trafficking

More than 1,000 people have been arrested in 59 countries during an international operation to combat human trafficking networks, carried out over five days in Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and South America. The operation identified more than 2,000 victims, including citizens of the Republic of Moldova, according to Interpol.

The operation, codenamed “Global Chain”, was organized by the authorities of Romania and Austria, under the coordination of Interpol, Europol, Ameripol and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).

According to Interpol, the victims were exploited in various ways, being forced into prostitution, begging or participation in criminal activities. Most of the identified individuals come from Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, the Republic of Moldova and Nepal. Approximately 10% of the victims are minors.

Investigators state that the criminal groups targeted people from vulnerable categories, whom they recruited through deception or coercion and transported to other countries or even other continents for the purpose of exploitation.

During the operation, Brazilian authorities dismantled a criminal network that was sending people to Cambodia, where they were forced to work in centers involved in online fraud schemes. At the same time, in Belgium, 17 people were arrested on suspicion of recruiting minors via the internet and sexually exploiting them in Belgium and France.

Interpol warns that human trafficking remains one of the most widespread and profitable forms of organized crime worldwide.


“Our response needs to be equally global, coordinated and uncompromising,” the organization’s representatives stated.