Man In Malta Among 158 Arrested In Major Europol Human Trafficking Operation
An Italian man living in Malta was among 158 people arrested as part of a large-scale Europol operation targeting human trafficking networks. The coordinated effort, dubbed Global Chain, took place between 1st and 6th June and involved around 15,000 officers across 43 countries, including Malta, TVM News reported.
Authorities estimate that the operation led to the rescue of 1,194 trafficking victims.
In Malta, the Italian national was arrested for allegedly trafficking three Colombian women – two sisters and their aunt – who were brought to the island under the false promise of cleaning jobs. Once in Malta, their passports were confiscated, and they were reportedly forced into prostitution.
Several serious cases emerged from the operation. In Hungary, a 15-year-old girl was allegedly forced into prostitution by her own family. Her father was arrested and the girl was placed in care.
In Romania, nine people were arrested for trafficking eight children aged between seven and fifteen. Meanwhile, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, parents were detained after forcing their underage daughter into marriage.
In total, authorities seized €277,000 in cash, one tonne of cannabis, 30 firearms, 65 forged documents, and five properties.