Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus police said on Monday they participated in the global anti-human trafficking operation Global Chain, during which 1,024 arrests were made across five continents. In Cyprus, 17 operations were carried out at bars and apartments, but no victims of human trafficking were identified.
Operation scope
The four-day operation began on June 8 and was carried out with the support of Europol to combat human trafficking for sexual exploitation, begging and other forced crimes.
A total of 59 countries took part in the operation, which led to the identification of 2,010 potential victims and the arrest of 1,024 suspects. Around one third of those arrested are suspected of being involved in human trafficking cases.
A further 201 suspects were identified for offences related to human trafficking.
Findings on victims
The investigation found that the vast majority of victims were adult women. It said 64.2 per cent were trafficked for sexual exploitation, 20.9 per cent for other forced criminal activities, 11.3 per cent for forced labour and 2.1 per cent for other forms of exploitation.
Investigators also found that 86.4 per cent of underage victims were trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Countries of origin
Police identified victims of human trafficking from 45 countries of origin, with the majority from Latin America, led by Colombia.
Other countries included Argentina, Venezuela, Nepal and Moldova.
Trafficking was reported across borders in all of these countries, demonstrating the international nature of human trafficking networks.
