In the global operation against human trafficking, which was supported by Europol, 2,070 potential victims were identified, while 1,024 people were arrested, of which 334 are suspected of human trafficking.
The operation codenamed Global Chain was carried out from June 8 to 12 in 59 countries, with the coordination and support of Europol, Frontex and Interpol. Among the participating countries was Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The action was aimed at combating human trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced crime and forced begging, with a special focus on minor victims.
During the operation, 1,908 adult potential victims and 162 minors were identified. 201 additional suspects of human trafficking were discovered, 465 new investigations were opened, and 80 cases of falsification of documents were recorded.
According to the results of the investigation, most of the identified victims are adult women. The largest number of victims, 64.2 percent, were exposed to sexual exploitation, while 20.9 percent of victims were forced into criminal activities, 11.3 percent into forced labor, and 1.5 percent into forced begging.
In the case of minor victims, the share of sexual exploitation was even higher and amounted to 86.4 percent. Europol stated that the protection of victims in such cases is often particularly challenging, because in some cases they are exploited by family members, according to Europol.
During the campaign, 565,470 persons, 360,317 identification documents, 140,737 vehicles, 20,342 locations, as well as 6,133 flights and vessels were checked.
As part of the operation, several cases were recorded around the world. In Belgium, a group that recruited underage girls through social networks and forced them into sexual exploitation in Belgium and France was broken up. In that action, 17 people were arrested and 22 minor victims were identified.
In France, authorities uncovered an organized prostitution ring that operated through three massage parlors in Lille and Paris. Two Chinese citizens were arrested, five victims were treated, and more than 73,000 euros in cash, a vehicle, luxury items and funds in bank accounts were seized.
In the United States, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations arrested 16 people for human trafficking for sexual exploitation. 22 victims were identified, including 12 minors.
In Moldova, a network of sexual exploitation was broken up, which, according to the authorities, was led by a former gendarme and his fiancee, and the victims were three underage girls from economically vulnerable families.
In Ukraine, the authorities prosecuted those suspected of labor exploitation of persons with disabilities in a rehabilitation center in the Vinnytsia region, while in Kyiv, a criminal group suspected of labor exploitation was broken up.
