3,744 arrested in global people-smuggling blitz

MORE than 4,000 victims of human trafficking and 13,000 illegal migrants have been detected in one of the biggest global people-smuggling operations.

- BY PAUL JEEVES Crime Editor

Shock discoveries included primary school age children being forced to work in a glass factory in Belize, a young girl sold to a 73-year-old man in El Salvador and a boy of eight kidnapped for organ removal in Mozambique.

Some 3,744 suspects were arrested in Operation Liberterra III, which was led by Interpol and covered 119 countries.

Of these, more than 1,800 were detained for alleged human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Law enforcement agencies including the UK's National Crime Agency mobilised more than 14,000 officers, conducting surveillance, targeted raids and reinforced border controls.

Meanwhile, 720 new probes are now under way.

Valdecy Urquiza, Interpol secretary general, said: "The level of enforcement action highlights strong cooperation, but the wider trends are just as important.

"Criminal networks are evolving, exploiting new routes, digital platforms and vulnerable populations. Identifying these patterns allows law enforcement to anticipate threats, disrupt networks earlier and better protect victims."

Major findings include trafficking-fuelled scam schemes.