Modern slavery networks dismantled across 59 countries—over 2,000 found trapped

Over 1,000 people have been arrested after a global raid spanning 59 countries uncovered more than 2,000 people trapped in modern slavery.

The operation, coordinated by Interpol, targeted trafficking networks involved in sexual exploitation, forced labor, forced criminality, and forced begging.

Global raid exposes widespread exploitation

Operation Global Chain, which took place over 5 days in June, brought together around 40,000 officers across Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.

Among the major breakthroughs was the dismantling of a trafficking network in Cambodia which forced people into online scam operations. Brazil’s Federal Police identified 406 victims linked to the network, including 323 foreign nationals.

In Europe, Belgian authorities arrested 17 suspects accused of recruiting underage girls through social media. The suspects allegedly forced the girls into prostitution networks operating across Belgium and France.

In Argentina, police rescued two Bolivian children who had allegedly been forced to work in a grocery store.

El BBC informes:

In total, 2,070 victims or potential victims were identified, the vast majority of whom authorities said were women. Of the arrests, 334 were for human trafficking and 690 for associated crimes.

Investigators also uncovered a new trend: traffickers are moving Latin American victims to Europe for forced labor. Around 10% of those identified were minors from the Americas, whom traffickers had subjected to sexual exploitation.

Human trafficking remains a global crisis

Authorities have referred survivors to national protection and support services, launched 465 investigations, and identified another 201 suspects.

Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza describes human trafficking as “one of the most profitable and pervasive forms” of organized crime, generating billions of dollars in illicit revenue each year.

Urquiza also warns the crime causes “severe and lasting harm to victims,” adding that the outcomes of the crackdown:

…demonstrate what can be achieved when countries work together to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen cooperation across regions.

As part of the operation, Colombia launched an airport awareness campaign warning travelers about false overseas job offers.

While the arrests represent a significant blow to trafficking networks, authorities say investigations are continuing. They are now working to identify more survivors, bringing additional suspects to justice and dismantling the criminal organizations behind one of the world’s most widespread forms of exploitation.