English
In a sweeping international crackdown on human trafficking, authorities have rescued nearly 1,200 victims and arrested 158 suspects as part of a major week-long operation spanning 44 countries, the European Union law enforcement agency Europol announced on Friday.
The initiative, codenamed “Operation Global Chain”, was spearheaded by Austria and Romania in collaboration with Europol, Frontex (the European Border and Coast Guard Agency), and Interpol. It involved coordinated efforts from law enforcement agencies, border officials, and labor inspectors across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.
Over the course of the operation, more than 276,000 inspections were conducted at airports, land borders, seaports, and various workplaces. Authorities uncovered numerous cases of human exploitation, including forced labor in agriculture, construction, and domestic service. Victims were also found to be coerced into committing crimes by organized trafficking rings.
“This operation is a powerful reminder of what global cooperation can achieve,” said Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director of Europol. “Every person rescued from exploitation is a victory, and each arrest strikes a blow to the criminal networks responsible.”
In addition to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, several transnational crime groups were dismantled. Authorities emphasized that the success of the operation underscores the need for sustained international collaboration to combat trafficking and protect at-risk populations.
Europol has called for ongoing vigilance and coordinated action, warning that traffickers continue to exploit legal loopholes, border vulnerabilities, and economic hardships to prey on the most marginalized.
