Europol has successfully carried out a major operation targeting labour exploitation and human trafficking in Europe, resulting in the arrest of 21 individuals and the identification of 261 victims.

The operation, which took place from 10 to 17 June, involved checks conducted in 31 countries across Europe. Over 27,000 officers participated, inspecting 11,360 locations, as announced in a press release by Europol on Wednesday.

The operation focused on labour-intensive sectors that often employ low-skilled workers and are susceptible to exploitation. Sectors such as catering, beauty salons, agriculture, and transportation were scrutinized. The investigation specifically aimed to address the exploitation of non-EU citizens and refugees.

Authorities from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, and the UK collaborated to investigate a chain of restaurants. Fifteen establishments were simultaneously inspected, leading to the closure of several of them.

Overall, more than 65,000 individuals and nearly 23,000 vehicles were examined during the operation. The efforts resulted in the identification of 57 suspects and the arrest of 21 individuals involved in labour exploitation. Moreover, a total of 261 victims were identified. The data collected during the operation has also led to the initiation of 86 new investigations.

Europol's comprehensive audit demonstrates the commitment to combatting labour exploitation and human trafficking across Europe. By targeting vulnerable sectors and providing swift action, the operation aims to protect individuals from exploitation and bring perpetrators to justice. Photo by OSeveno, Wikimedia commons.