International Human Trafficking Crackdown Results in Over 150 Arrests

Fri Oct 17 2025 08:40:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A major global operation against human trafficking has led to significant arrests and the identification of victims across multiple continents.

An extensive six-day operation against human trafficking has resulted in 158 arrests and the identification of 1,194 potential victims worldwide, with the coordinated efforts of police forces from 43 countries. Conducted in early June, the operation, known as "Global Chain," focused on dismantling organized criminal networks exploiting underage individuals for sexual exploitation, forced labor, and other illicit activities. The collaborative initiative saw nearly 15,000 officers play a role, particularly targeting gangs that often recruit vulnerable women and children from their home countries.

In Malta, three Colombian women were rescued, having been duped into getting jobs as cleaners but subsequently forced into prostitution when their passports were confiscated. Austrian authorities made seven arrests related to a Romanian gang that lured women under false romantic pretenses, while Italian police raids uncovered 75 potential victims linked to massage parlors with exploitation ties. Notably, the trafficking victims identified hailed from 64 different countries, predominantly Romania, Ukraine, Colombia, China, and Hungary.

The operation not only focused on the judicial aspects, but also resulted in the confiscation of €277,669 in cash, 30 firearms, 65 fraudulent documents, and a significant amount of cannabis. This crackdown follows a similar operation the previous year that led to over 200 arrests and revealed more than 1,300 victims. The fight against human trafficking, described by Interpol's David Caunter as a brutal crime, remains a high priority for law enforcement agencies worldwide.