He also said two Bolivian child victims who were forced to work in a grocery store were rescued by Argentine police and arrests were made. Separately, Belgian authorities arrested 17 suspects after dismantling a trafficking ring that allegedly held captive victims recruited through social media and forced them into prostitution rings in Belgium and France.
He also said two Bolivian child victims who were forced to work in a grocery store were rescued by Argentine police and arrests were made.
Separately, Belgian authorities arrested 17 suspects after dismantling a trafficking ring that allegedly held captive victims recruited through social media and forced them into prostitution rings in Belgium and France.
The operation, which took place between June 8 and 12, was carried out by 40,000 agents in countries in Africa, America, Asia and Europe.
It found that the majority of victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation, while 20% were forced to commit crimes, 11% were forced to work and 2% were forced to beg.
Interpol said victims identified during the operation had been referred to national protection and support services, and 465 investigations had been launched as a result.
In the operation, 201 more suspects were also identified. Countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Nigeria, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the operation.
Interpol Secretary Valdecy Urquiza said human trafficking remains “one of the most profitable and widespread forms” of organized crime, generating billions in illicit revenue each year.
He added that the crime caused “serious and lasting harm to the victims” and said the results of the operation “demonstrate what can be achieved when countries work together to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen cooperation between regions.”
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