Interpol announced this Wednesday its «largest operation against human trafficking», which allowed the arrest of more than 2,500 people and the rescue of more than 3,000 possible victims around the world, from farms in Argentina to nightclubs in Europe.
Operation “Liberterra II” took place in 116 countries and territories between September 29 and October 4, the international police cooperation organization based in Lyon, eastern France, said in a statement.
Among the «3,222 potential victims” rescued, there are minors forced to work on farms in Argentina, migrant women in nightclubs in North Macedonia, beggars in Iraq and domestic workers in the Middle East.
The operation led to the identification of “17,793 illegal migrants” and the arrest of 2,517 people, of which 850 for trafficking in human beings or migrants, Interpol indicated, specifying that this is preliminary data.
“Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are increasingly linked to other forms of crime, often using the same criminal networks and routes” to “expand the benefits and power of criminal groups,” he added.
From the Philippines to Brazil
Investigators discovered online scam centers that exploited victims. In the Philippines, police raided a warehouse where more than 250 people, mostly Chinese, were engaged in large-scale sentimental scams.
“In many cases, victims are lured with false promises employment and are retained through intimidation and abuse,” the press release states.
In Mali, the operation identified 24 women from Togo held against their will and forced to participate in commercial fraud. They arrived there with false promises of employment abroad.
In Costa Rica, sect leader arrested for exploitation of minors, forced labor and physical and psychological violence.
In Brazil, an investigation into a drug trafficking network revealed that its members also worked to help irregular migrants cross borders into the United States.
“In their relentless desire for profit, organized criminal groups continue to exploit men, women and children, often repeatedly,” lamented Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock, for whom “only coordinated action can counter these threats.” ».
Relief at Interpol
Stock, who is ending his second and last term, will pass the baton to Brazilian Valdecy Urquiza, at the organization’s annual general meeting, currently being held in the Scottish city of Glasgow.
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