Interpol recently announced the results of its largest operation against human trafficking and smuggling, named “Liberterra II,” which took place from September 29 to October 4, 2024. This intensive six-day operation led to the arrest of over 2,500 suspects and the rescue of more than 3,000 individuals who were potential victims of trafficking.
The operation spanned 116 countries and was coordinated by Interpol, with a central objective to combat organized trafficking networks that exploit individuals worldwide. According to Interpol Secretary-General Jurgen Stock, organized crime networks are “relentless in their pursuit of profit,” and this operation aimed to disrupt the infrastructure and connections these groups rely upon.
During the operation, authorities intensified efforts at strategic border points, conducted extensive surveillance of almost 24,000 flights, and deployed law enforcement to known trafficking hotspots. Raids revealed various cases of exploitation, with minors coerced into agricultural labor in Argentina, people forced into begging in Iraq, and individuals exploited in private households across the Middle East. In North Macedonia, law enforcement found migrants working in nightclubs under forced conditions, further highlighting the scope of the issue.
The week-long initiative also utilized Interpol’s databases extensively, carrying out nearly eight million checks on suspects, leading to the identification of 17,793 irregular migrants. Out of the 2,517 arrests made, 850 individuals faced charges specifically related to human trafficking or migrant smuggling. These numbers reflect what Interpol has described as the “growing and complex” nature of trafficking networks that often intersect with other criminal enterprises, such as drug trafficking and online fraud.
In addition to the large-scale arrests and rescues, Liberterra II exposed the growing trend of trafficking victims being coerced into criminal activities. In several instances, traffickers forced individuals into online scams, using intimidation and abuse to prevent escape. One high-profile case involved a warehouse in the Philippines where over 250 people, primarily of Chinese descent, were found participating in large-scale “sentiment scams” against their will.
Other notable incidents occurred in Mali, where police discovered 24 women from Togo who had been misled by false job offers and subsequently coerced into a trafficking ring. In Costa Rica, authorities arrested the leader of a sect responsible for child exploitation, forced labor, and abuse. Meanwhile, in Brazil, a drug trafficking investigation uncovered a smuggling ring with close links to operations in the United States.
Stock emphasized that only “coordinated global action” can effectively combat the sophisticated methods that traffickers employ. Interpol’s approach highlights the importance of international collaboration, especially given the extensive criminal networks that cross multiple jurisdictions.
The success of Operation Liberterra II demonstrates Interpol’s commitment to targeting human trafficking and exploitation. With over 3,222 rescued and many suspects facing legal action, Interpol plans to maintain its strategy of international cooperation, aiming to build upon these results in future operations.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license and was created by the UK Home Office.
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