LYON, France: In an extensive and highly coordinated operation known as Operation Global Chain, jointly undertaken by Austria and Romania and facilitated by INTERPOL, Europol, and Frontex, a major breakthrough has been achieved in the fight against human trafficking. The operation, which took place from 8th to 15th May 2023, spanned across 44 countries, resulting in a series of impactful outcomes.
The primary objective of Operation Global Chain was twofold. Firstly, it aimed to detect and disrupt organized crime groups involved in the exploitation of victims originating from South America, Asia, Africa, the Western Balkans, and Ukraine. These criminal syndicates were engaged in various forms of human trafficking, including sexual exploitation, forced begging, and forced involvement in criminal activities. By targeting these groups, the operation sought to dismantle their networks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Secondly, the operation prioritized the identification, protection, and referral of victims – both confirmed and potential – to appropriate support services. Recognizing the vulnerability of these individuals, Operation Global Chain aimed to provide them with the necessary assistance and support to help them recover from the trauma they had endured.
The success of the operation was dependent on the strong and coordinated actions of law enforcement agencies involved. To this end, a wide range of authorities, including police, immigration and border control agencies, transport police, as well as social and child protection services, collaborated closely. By pooling their expertise and resources, these agencies aimed to maximize the impact of the operation and ensure its effectiveness.
The operation was marked by a significant number of arrests and the identification of numerous potential victims. A total of 212 individuals involved in human trafficking were apprehended, while an astounding 1,426 potential victims were identified across the targeted countries. These victims were found to be subjected to various forms of exploitation, such as sexual exploitation, forced begging, and forced involvement in criminal activities.
The magnitude of the operation can be seen in the vast number of checks conducted by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Approximately 130,000 officers participated in the operation, carrying out thorough inspections of 1.6 million individuals, 153,300 vehicles, 72,850 documents, and 25,400 locations. Moreover, a total of 8,644 flights were monitored during the operation. These comprehensive checks allowed authorities to detect suspicious activities, identify potential victims, and uncover evidence crucial for ongoing investigations.
As a result of the operation, 244 new investigations were initiated, highlighting the significant impact on disrupting human trafficking networks. Additionally, 138 suspected traffickers were identified, further aiding law enforcement efforts in dismantling these criminal organizations.
To support officers on the ground, an operational hub consisting of 24 countries was established at the INTERPOL General Secretariat in Lyon. This central hub provided round-the-clock analytical and operational support, facilitating the real-time exchange of information between participating authorities. Such collaboration and information sharing proved instrumental in the success of the operation.
Several noteworthy operational highlights emerged during Operation Global Chain. In Sweden, investigators identified five underage boys in a notorious begging area, accompanied by a 19-year-old man who acted as their boss, overseeing their exploitative activities. In Serbia, six suspects were arrested for sexually exploiting ten female victims and a separate case involved the arrest of another suspect engaged in forced begging and forced criminality. In Romania, four individuals suspected of labor exploitation of at least eight victims were arrested following 19 house searches. In North Macedonia, 11 suspects were apprehended for the sexual exploitation of minors and trafficking in human beings. Furthermore, in Colombia, authorities identified 27 victims of sexual exploitation and made seven arrests in connection with these crimes.
Additionally, the operation demonstrated the critical importance of reinforced border controls. Bulgarian authorities, while enforcing enhanced security measures, successfully apprehended a suspected terrorist fighter who had been the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice since 2015. This arrest showcased the multifaceted nature of Operation Global Chain, which not only targeted human trafficking but also contributed to broader security efforts.
Looking ahead, the operation generated a significant impact on the global fight against human trafficking. As a result of actions taken during Operation Global Chain, 244 new investigations were initiated, indicating a sustained effort to disrupt and dismantle trafficking networks. Furthermore, the identification of 138 suspected traffickers opens up opportunities for law enforcement agencies to hold them accountable for their crimes.
One crucial aspect underscored by this operation is the vulnerability of children as victims of trafficking. Criminal groups show no mercy when targeting vulnerable groups, and minors often bear the brunt of their exploitative activities. Children are trafficked for various purposes, including sexual and labor exploitation, forced begging, and involvement in illegal activities. Recognizing this, Operation Global Chain emphasized the need to protect and support these vulnerable victims, ensuring their safety and providing them with the necessary tools for recovery.
Mr. Stephen Kavanagh, INTERPOL Executive Director of Police Services, emphasized the significance of such enforcement operations. He highlighted the imperative to disrupt trafficking networks and protect vulnerable communities. Operation Global Chain served as a resounding message that law enforcement agencies worldwide stand united in their commitment to combat human trafficking and any form of exploitation.
Operation Global Chain was conducted under the auspices of the European Multidisciplinary Platform against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) and received funding from the German Federal Foreign Office through INTERPOL’s Project THB Balkans. The operation witnessed the participation of numerous countries spanning different regions across the globe, including Albania, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Kosovo*, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.
