More than 150 arrested in global human trafficking crackdown

International human trafficking campaign led to more than 150 arrests and identification of more than 1,000 victims.

The six -day operation, which occurred in the beginning of June, included approximately 15,000 officers from 43 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, according to INTERPOL.

Europol said that the criminal gangs have targeted the organized to participate in trafficking in persons – who are usually below legal age – for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced crime and begging.

Many victims of trafficking by sexual exploitation are women, who are usually recruited from abroad and transferred to massage halls where they are pressed in prostitution.

David Conter, director of organized and young crime at Interpol, said: “Human trafficking is a brutal and destructive crime that prevents people from their dignity, freedom and humanity, and slips at the most vulnerable, including children,” said David Conter, Director of Organized and Emerging Crime in Interpol.

The operation – which was called the “Global Series” – carried out 158 ​​arrests in total and identified 205 suspects, while 1,194 potential victims were discovered.

It was led by the Austrian and Roman authorities, and focused primarily on Europe – but also witnessed the suspects who were arrested in Thailand, Nigeria and Vietnam.

Europol said that the police in Malta launched three Colombian women – two sisters and their aunt – who originally presented job opportunities as detergents by Italian citizens.

Upon their arrival, their passports were issued by the suspect under the guise of the arrangement of work permits, then his mind was used to force them to prostitution.

In Austria, the officers made seven arrests in relation to a Roman family gang claimed to have used the “Love-Boy” method to attract women to sexual exploitation and forced criminality under the pretext of a romantic relationship.

In Italy, the police raided many massage halls with suspected sexual exploitation suspected links, and determined 75 potential trafficking victims, according to Interpol.

Officials said that the potential trafficking victims arose from 64 countries around the world, but the majority came from Romania, Ukraine, Colombia, China and Hungary.

The process also witnessed 277,669 euros (240,351 pounds) cash, as well as 30 rifles, 65 frauds and tons of cannabis.

A similar operation was performed almost the same time last year, arresting 200 suspects and identifying more than 1300 victims.