Photo: picture alliance/AP Photo
As part of the ongoing investigations, an additional 201 suspects in human trafficking were also identified.
This year, the annual operation took place from June 8 to 12, 2026, with coordination and support from Europol, Frontex, and Interpol. The operation, codenamed “Global Chain,” was aimed at combating human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation, forced criminal activity, and forced begging, with a particular focus on minor victims.
The results of the investigation show that the overwhelming majority of victims were women and adults, with 64.2% being victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation (20.9% for forced criminal activity, 11.3% for forced labor, 1.5% for forced begging, and 2.1% for other forms). The percentage of minor victims who were trafficked for sexual exploitation is even higher—86.4% (6.2%—forced labor, 3%—forced begging, about 0.6%—forced criminal activity such as pickpocketing, 3.8%—other forms).
More than 40,000 personnel from 59 different countries participated in the operation, including law enforcement agencies, border control, labor inspectorates, tax authorities, and customs agencies. Potential victims were identified in 45 different countries, with the majority in Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Nepal, and Moldova. Many victims were trafficked across borders and even continents, demonstrating the global nature of human trafficking schemes.
In Moldova, authorities dismantled a sexual exploitation ring led by a former police officer and his fiancée, who recruited three underage victims (aged 16–17) from low-income families. The victims were forced into prostitution through manipulation, financial control, and threats; the perpetrators posted advertisements online and subjected the victims to daily exploitation while paying them minimal wages. The accused were arrested and are awaiting trial, and the victims received psychological support.
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