International Sex Trafficking Ring Dismantled underground network of 2 organizations in Greece – 51 Survivors Freed!

Arheel's Uncle

Senior Reporter


International Sex Trafficking Ring Dismantled – 51 Survivors Freed!

2 Min
OPERATIONS
Jul 13, 2023

International Sex Trafficking Ring Dismantled – 51 Survivors Freed!​

An underground network in Greece, composed of two intertwined criminal organizations, preyed upon vulnerable women, primarily from Latin America, subjecting them to unspeakable atrocities and profiting from their misery.
In a joint effort by the Hellenic Police, the Spanish National Police, INTERPOL, O.U.R., A21, and Homeland Security Investigations, 22 individuals were apprehended. Eleven of these suspects are believed to be key members of a criminal syndicate and the others were complicit staff at illicit establishments.
The 51 survivors were lured to Greece under false pretenses
and their hope of a better life shattered upon arrival. Forced into a life of sexual exploitation, these women endured unimaginable hardships, even while battling illness. Their earnings were shamelessly confiscated, lining the pockets of heartless criminals.
The insidious enterprise generated a staggering 160,000 euros per month, funds meticulously laundered through three front companies, obscuring the true nature of their criminal activity.

Prioritizing the survivors’ well-being, they have been relocated to shelters where they will receive the support and protection they deserve until they can be safely repatriated. Meanwhile, the detained suspects will face an array of charges, including the formation of a criminal organization, human trafficking, and more.

Our fight against these heinous crimes continues. We are grateful to have directly supported this operation, made possible by your donations. Together, we can dismantle these networks, empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and ensure justice is served.

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Successful operation leads to O.U.R.'s integration into Greece's national response plan to human trafficking​

We are proud to share that, in light of this success, the Minister of Citizen Protection of Greece conducted a press conference to announce and highlight our strengthened relationship. O.U.R. is now an integral part of Greece's national response plan against human trafficking and child exploitation.

We are incredibly honored to further strengthen our collaboration with the Hellenic Police, as we work together to liberate and support more victims of human trafficking and exploitation in Greece.
 
Earlier in 2021


Police rescue 430 human trafficking victims and identify 4,000 irregular migrants from 74 countries

LYON, France – Criminal groups behind human trafficking and migrant smuggling have been hit hard in an operation coordinated by INTERPOL, with 286 suspects arrested worldwide.
Law enforcement officials from 47 countries participated in Operation Liberterra (5 - 9 July), carrying out some 500,000 inspections at checkpoints and airports as well as at hotspots identified through intelligence and investigations.

Authorities in Sudan rescued 253 victims of human trafficking, arresting 32 suspects.

Authorities in Sudan rescued 253 victims of human trafficking, arresting 32 suspects.

The UAE hosted an Operation Coordination Unit during Operation Liberterra.

The UAE hosted an Operation Coordination Unit during Operation Liberterra.

Some 4,000 irregular migrants originating from 74 different countries were identified during the operation, including 68 in Croatia.

Some 4,000 irregular migrants originating from 74 different countries were identified during the operation, including 68 in Croatia.

The Tunisian coast guard rescued 69 migrants from 11 different African countries after receiving a distress call from their boat.

The Tunisian coast guard rescued 69 migrants from 11 different African countries after receiving a distress call from their boat.

Police in El Salvador arrested human trafficking and migrant smuggling suspects.

Police in El Salvador arrested human trafficking and migrant smuggling suspects.

Authorities rescued some 430 human trafficking victims and identified 4,000 irregular migrants originating from 74 different countries. Many of them required medical, psychological and housing assistance and were taken into the care of protective services.

In addition, 60 new transnational investigations were initiated.Fake or stolen identity documents remain the golden ticket when it comes to helping people cross borders illegally, with such documents seized on every continent. On the first day of the operation, authorities in Tanzania arrested a Ugandan bus driver carrying a box of 169 forged passports from Kampala to Dar Es Salaam.

“Operation Liberterra is a five-day snapshot of the global trafficking and smuggling situation, and how multinational, highly organized criminal networks only focus on one thing: profit,” said INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock.

“With 22 criminal groups dismantled, it also shows what coordinated, global law enforcement action can achieve.”

Crime groups dismantled around the world​

Operational highlights included: READ MORE HERE https://www.interpol.int/en/News-an...n-trafficking-and-migrant-smuggling-operation
 
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