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INTERPOL operation across 17 countries in Latin America and Europe leads to 95 arrests over online child sexual abuse material and cryptocurrency-linked payments

October 15, 2026

The investigation targeted networks using messaging apps and cryptocurrencies to distribute and monetise child sexual abuse material. Authorities rescued one child and uncovered extensive collections of illegal content, with further investigations expected to identify additional offenders and victims. The operation highlights the role of digital platforms and cryptocurrency payments…

GI-TOC analysis examines how human-smuggling networks have significantly shifted routes and tactics in response to conflict, border controls and enforcement pressure across North Africa and the Sahel

September 25, 2026

It finds that routes are becoming increasingly flexible and fragmented, with smuggling networks shifting departure points, transit corridors and methods as governments tighten controls. In Libya, activity has moved eastwards towards Cyrenaica and Greece, while in Tunisia smugglers are adopting more clandestine and dangerous approaches…

Europol-backed operation uncovers migrant-smuggling network via Schengen airports, linked to document fraud and money laundering generating more than €2M

September 23, 2026

Authorities from 17 countries participated in an operation against a criminal network suspected of smuggling migrants from continental Europe to the UK by air, resulting in six arrests and searches in Austria, Italy, Spain and the UK. Europol says the network combined migrant smuggling with document fraud and money laundering, illustrating the financial and logistical infrastructure underpinning organised facilitation networks operating across multiple…

Europol uncovers a cross-border human trafficking network exploiting 70+ potential victims across 5 EU countries, generating at least €4M in illicit profits through labour exploitation

September 18, 2026

Authorities conducted inspections at 20 restaurants and arrested two suspects; investigators allege workers were underpaid, subjected to excessive working hours and prevented from leaving their employment or the country. The network is estimated to have generated at least €4M in illicit profits by withholding wages and exploiting workers, while Europol supported intelligence-sharing, operational coordination and analysis…

INTERPOL warns of escalating global child sexual exploitation as its database identifies 65,000+ victims and 26,000+ offenders across 75 countries since 2011

September 7, 2026

Nearly 5,800 victims were identified in 2026 alone by 31 July, with investigators using image and video analysis to connect cases across borders and uncover previously unidentified victims and offenders. INTERPOL stresses that stronger international intelligence sharing and coordinated law-enforcement action are essential to keep pace with increasingly complex and cross-border exploitation networks…

Europol and ELA strengthen cooperation against labour exploitation, boosting intelligence-sharing, joint investigations and coordinated action against human trafficking and organised crime

September 2, 2026

Europol and the European Labour Authority (ELA) strengthen cooperation to tackle labour exploitation and human trafficking, with a new Working Arrangement aimed at improving information exchange, supporting joint investigations and coordinating enforcement action. The partnership will help identify criminal networks exploiting workers across borders and strengthen cooperation between law enforcement and labour authorities to disrupt…

UN marks 30 July ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’ under the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam”, urging stronger action against trafficking, cyber-enabled fraud, and organised crime

July 30, 2026

Victims are lured with fake job offers, trafficked across borders, and forced to carry out cyber-enabled fraud, including investment and romance scams, generating billions in illicit proceeds. The campaign calls for stronger international cooperation, enhanced victim protection, and coordinated efforts to combat human trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and corruption…

UNODC and EU warn of growing human trafficking linked to cyber-enabled fraud and scam centres, with more than 300,000 people estimated to be forced into cybercrime activities in Southeast Asia alone

July 30, 2026

Criminal networks use fake job offers, digital platforms and AI-enabled tools to recruit and control victims, who are often forced to commit fraud under abusive conditions and may be wrongly treated as criminals rather than trafficking victims. The threat is expanding beyond Southeast Asia, with victims identified from nearly 80 nationalities and scam operations spreading across multiple regions. UN estimates suggest more than 300,000 people in Southeast Asia are being forced into cybercrime activities, generating billions in illicit proceeds…

Canada’s Halton Police have dismantled the largest human trafficking network in their history, arresting nine suspects and laying 85 criminal charges

July 28, 2026

The investigation identified 12 victims of commercial sexual exploitation and uncovered links to organised crime, money laundering and the proceeds of crime. Authorities seized luxury vehicles, high-value jewellery, cash, drugs and electronic devices while working alongside law enforcement, financial intelligence and border agencies. The case highlights the growing convergence of human trafficking, organised crime…

Europol-backed operation arrests 28 suspects across 7 countries, rescues 3 children and seizes 460+ items while dismantling dark web child sexual exploitation networks funded through cryptocurrency

July 8, 2026

The investigation also safeguarded three children and resulted in the seizure of more than 460 items, including electronic devices, cryptocurrency wallets, drugs and doping substances. Investigators traced cryptocurrency payments, including Monero, to identify offenders and disrupt the criminal network…

EU agrees tougher child sexual abuse laws, expanding offences to cover AI-enabled exploitation, increasing penalties, and strengthening long-term support and justice for victims

June 22, 2026

The new rules introduce clearer provisions on consent, criminalise technology-enabled abuses such as AI-generated child sexual abuse material and livestreamed exploitation, strengthen safeguards against grooming and sexual extortion, and enhance victim support through free healthcare, legal aid, helplines, accommodation assistance, compensation rights…

INTERPOL’s Operation CyberProtect III “hackathon” exposed human trafficking networks via subscription platforms using encrypted apps, crypto payments, and AI-generated fake profiles

June 19, 2026

Key findings show traffickers using fake modelling agencies, coercive recruitment tactics, encrypted apps, cryptocurrency payments, and even AI-generated profiles, alongside “e-pimping” networks and large-scale online advertising ecosystems, highlighting a growing, tech-enabled form of exploitation that is difficult to detect across jurisdictions…

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