In brief
Interpol’s Operation Global Chain saw over 1,000 arrests across 59 countries, targeting traffickers involved in sexual exploitation, forced labour, and crime rings. More than 2,000 victims—mostly women and minors—were identified, with networks spanning from Cambodia’s online scams to European sex‑work rings. Brazil’s Federal Police uncovered a transnational network funneling victims into online scams, while Argentina rescued child labourers in Bolivia. The operation involved 40,000 officers worldwide and highlighted emerging routes from Latin America to Europe, urging heightened cross‑border cooperation.
Interpol’s Operation Global Chain involved more than 1,000 arrests across 59 countries, focusing on trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced labour, criminality, and coerced begging.
The operation disrupted a network funneling victims into online scamming in Cambodia and a European ring that trafficked underage girls recruited via social media into sex work.
In total, 2,070 victims or potential victims were identified, the vast majority of whom are women. Of the arrests, 334 were for human trafficking and 690 for associated crimes.
Interpol, together with Europol and Frontex, said the findings revealed evolving trafficking routes, notably Latin American victims trafficked for forced labour in Europe. About 10% of identified victims were minors from the Americas subjected to sexual exploitation.
Countries such as Colombia, Argentina, Belgium, and Brazil participated in the operation, initiating airport campaigns, rescuing child labourers, and dismantling trafficking rings.
Interpol Police Commissioner Valdecy Urquiza warned that human trafficking remains one of the most profitable and pervasive forms of organized crime, generating billions in illicit revenue and causing lasting harm to victims.
The operation underscored what can be achieved when nations collaborate to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen cross‑regional cooperation.
