368 detained in Europol’s major campaign against child trafficking

At the beginning of October, Europol joined forces with several European countries in the fight against trafficking in human beings. Between October 5 and 11, 368 people could be arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

The respective authorities in the countries focused on border crossings and other transportation in order to identify suspected child traffickers and victims of trafficking.

Europol was responsible for information exchange and coordination between countries.

249 potential victims – 61 children

In total, more than 59,000 people, 15,000 vehicles and almost 40,000 documents were inspected. The work paid off. 368 people suspected of human trafficking could be arrested. Also, 249 potential victims could be identified, of which 61 were minors.

– In the EU, it is mainly family members who are involved in child trafficking. Criminal organizations have a wide network and move children between countries at regular intervals, Europol writes in a press release.

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