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A coordinated international crackdown on human trafficking has identified 2,070 victims, arrested 1,024 suspects and launched 465 investigations across 59 countries, authorities said.
The five-day operation, named Operation Global Chain, was conducted from June 8 to 12. It targeted criminal networks involved in sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced criminality and coerced begging.
Led by authorities in Austria and Romania, the operation was jointly coordinated by INTERPOL, Europol, Frontex and Ameripol.
Of the total arrests, 334 were linked directly to human trafficking offences, while 690 were for related crimes.
During the operation, police, border authorities and specialised anti-trafficking units carried out inspections at border crossings, airports, transport hubs and suspected trafficking hotspots.
Participating countries shared intelligence in real time through INTERPOL’s secure I-24/7 network, as well as Europol and Ameripol communication channels. INTERPOL also issued 17 new Notices, while border checks generated 20 matches against existing Notices.
Two international command centres were established in Skopje, North Macedonia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to support coordination, intelligence analysis and direct communication among participating countries.
The identified victims came from 45 countries, with the largest numbers originating from Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Moldova and Nepal. Many had been lured across borders through deception, coercion or by exploiting their vulnerable circumstances.
Among the major cases, Brazilian Federal Police dismantled a trafficking network that sent victims to Cambodia, where they were forced into online scam operations. Authorities identified 406 victims and issued two Red Notices and nine Blue Notices targeting suspects.
In Argentina, police rescued two Bolivian children who had been forced into labour at a grocery store and arrested the suspected traffickers. Investigators said the case exposed a wider exploitation network.
Belgian authorities arrested 17 suspects after dismantling a trafficking ring accused of recruiting underage girls through social media and forcing them into prostitution in Belgium and France.
All identified victims were referred to national protection and support services.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said human trafficking remains one of the world’s most profitable forms of organised crime, generating billions of dollars in illegal revenue each year while causing severe harm to victims. He said the operation demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in disrupting trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable people.