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In a significant victory against organised crime, INTERPOL, in cooperation with law enforcement agencies worldwide, including An Garda Síochána, has released preliminary findings from Operation Liberterra II, a large-scale initiative targeting human trafficking and migrant smuggling. This operation, spanning 116 countries from 29th September to 4th October 2024, led to the rescue of 3,222 potential victims and identified 17,793 irregular migrants, highlighting the global reach of human trafficking networks.
During the week-long operation, international authorities conducted raids, bolstered border security, and intensified surveillance efforts across 24,000 flights. Officers were deployed to known trafficking hotspots, culminating in 2,517 arrests, with 850 directly linked to human trafficking or migrant smuggling charges. INTERPOL’s Secretary General, Jürgen Stock, underscored the importance of a unified approach:
“In their relentless pursuit of profit, organized crime groups continue to exploit men, women and children — often multiple times over. While still preliminary, the results of this operation highlight the vast scale of the challenge facing law enforcement, underscoring that only coordinated action can counteract these threats.”
Among notable cases, Bolivian authorities apprehended a suspect in connection with illegal activities, while Filipino officers disrupted a large-scale online romance scam operation, safeguarding over 250 individuals, predominantly Chinese nationals. These instances reflect an evolving trend where trafficking victims are increasingly coerced into fraud, marking a shift from traditional exploitation patterns.
In Ireland, Gardaí from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) joined the global efforts, reinforcing security at Dublin Airport. Officers monitored 120 flights and checked over 16,000 individuals, resulting in two arrests related to people smuggling cases from prior years. Although both suspects were released pending further investigation, files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. An Garda Síochána continues to work in tandem with INTERPOL to support victims and dismantle trafficking networks.
INTERPOL’s Executive Director of Police Services, Stephen Kavanagh, commented on the operation’s broader implications:
“Beyond providing a snapshot of global trafficking and migration trends, the operation served as a vital capacity-building opportunity for countries, fostering relationships between specialized units, and enhancing cross-agency collaboration.”
An Garda Síochána encourages anyone who may be a victim of human trafficking or exploitation to reach out for assistance, either at their local Garda Station or via the Garda Confidential Phone Number at 1800 666 111. Additional resources and information on human trafficking can be found at www.blueblindfold.ie.