Global operation arrests over 1,000 suspects in human trafficking crackdown
Interpol’s Operation Global Chain, conducted across 59 countries between 8 and 12 June, led to more than 1,000 arrests and the dismantling of multiple trafficking networks.
The operation targeted trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced labour and criminal activity, as well as coerced begging. Networks that routed victims into online scamming in Cambodia and recruited under‑age girls through social media into sex work in Europe were also dismantled.
Authorities identified 2,070 potential victims, the vast majority women. Of the arrests, 334 were for human trafficking and 690 for associated crimes.
Interpol, Europol and Frontex highlighted that many victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation, with 20% forced into criminality, 11% into labour and 2% into begging. Emerging routes include Latin‑American victims trafficked to Europe for forced labour and about 10% of identified victims were minors subjected to sexual exploitation.
In Colombia, authorities launched an airport prevention campaign to warn of fraudulent job offers abroad. In Brazil, the Federal Police uncovered 406 victims, 83 Brazilians and 323 foreign nationals, of a network sending victims to Cambodia for online scamming.
Interpol issued notices targeting wanted suspects and persons of interest. A total of 465 investigations were launched, and an additional 201 suspects were identified across participating countries including the UK, US, France, Germany, Spain, Nigeria, Thailand and Vietnam.
Interpol Secretary Valdecy Urquiza described human trafficking as “one of the most profitable and pervasive forms” of organised crime, generating billions in illicit revenue each year. The operation’s results demonstrate the effectiveness of international cooperation in disrupting criminal networks and protecting victims.
