More than 200 people were arrested in connection with Europol’s fight against international human trafficking in 39 countries

During the Human Trafficking Action Week, which took place from 3 to 9 June, a staggering 1,374 victims (1,221 adults, 153 children) were identified across 39 countries, including Ireland.

A total of 363 false documents, cash and electronic devices were seized.

The operation, codenamed Global Chain, aimed to dismantle high-risk criminal networks and a further 362 suspects were identified.

Interpol and Europol focused on cases of sexual exploitation, forced crime and forced begging.

Images from the operation, which aims to dismantle high-risk criminal networks, show police arresting a suspect dressed only in underwear and in bleak living conditions.

“Close and effective cooperation between law enforcement and border protection authorities at international level is crucial to reaching out to those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said Jean-Philippe Lecouffe of Europol.

“The impressive results of this year’s joint campaign show that the heinous crime of human trafficking is best fought together.

“For this, I express my gratitude to all countries and partners who have once again joined forces with Europol in this global effort to dismantle these criminal networks.”

The international effort has designated “several targeted focal points” against human trafficking.

This included activities in Latin America, Asia, Africa, as well as in the Eastern Partnership countries and Ukraine.

During inspections around the world, police searched for forged documents, arrested perpetrators and provided protection to victims.

The authorities added that 276 new investigations were initiated as a result of the inspections. In order to cross-check data and enable the exchange of information, a high-tech coordination center was set up in Warsaw.

The police places particular emphasis on targeting cases involving children.

In Ireland, detectives from the Garda Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit inspected a number of properties in Dublin, Clare and Limerick.

During these inspections, many potential victims of human trafficking were interviewed, several sex workers were identified and provided with information about support agencies.

Police officers were also present at Shannon Airport, Connolly railway station and Dublin Harbor as part of a public awareness campaign.

Although no arrests were made during the Irish aspect of the operation, gardaí said their actions demonstrated their ability to tackle serious criminal gangs that target the most vulnerable sections of society.

A Garda spokesman said officers “will continue to work closely with Europol and other law enforcement partners to identify new victims so that they too can be protected from harm.

“An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone who may be a victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation to come forward and speak to their local police station or call the Garda confidential telephone number on 1800 666 111. An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information regarding these heinous crimes or the suspects involved.”

Human trafficking preys on the vulnerable and undermines “our common values ​​of human dignity and freedom,” said Lars Gerdes of the border management agency Frontex.

“Detecting these crimes is extremely difficult due to the frequent lack of victim testimony, which leads to a significant number of unreported cases.

“That’s why our international cooperation with Europol, Interpol, Austria and over 39 countries around the world is so crucial.”

Richard Chambers, Interpol’s director of organized and emerging crime, said: “Operations like Global Chain show that no country or continent is immune to human trafficking and exploitation.

“Whether committed by family members or highly organized criminal groups, the impact on victims is devastating. As a global law enforcement community, we are committed to sharing the vital intelligence necessary to bring all perpetrators to justice.”

In a particularly gruesome case, police officers in the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg district arrested a Hungarian couple who were forcing their six children to have sex and begging on the streets of their village.

Minor children were victims of physical, psychological and sexual violence by their own parents, and their own father attacked them with sticks, belts and bare hands.

Officers discovered that the children were neglected, malnourished and generally in poor health.

The parents tied up the children in one of the rooms of the house and, for a fee, offered them to other people in the neighborhood to have sex with.

Forensic, medical and psychological experts were involved in corroborating the case of sexual abuse and collecting testimony from traumatized children who have since been placed in foster care.