A Europe-wide operation against human trafficking and forced labour has led to 27 arrests and the identification of 248 potential victims, including Indian nationals. The crackdown, coordinated by Europol and the European Labour Authority (ELA), also uncovered a trafficking network allegedly exploiting more than 70 Indians working in restaurants across five European Union countries.
The operation, conducted between September 14 and 20, 2026, involved authorities from 34 countries and targeted exploitation in agriculture, construction, hospitality and other labour-intensive sectors.
What Did the Operation Uncover?
The coordinated action involved 16,031 officers from police, border security, labour inspectorates, social security agencies and tax authorities.
Officials conducted checks involving 137,810 individuals, locations, vehicles and documents.
Authorities opened 182 new human trafficking investigations and arrested 86 additional suspects for other offences, including illegal employment and prostitution.
Of the 248 potential trafficking victims identified, 73% were male, with many originating from Vietnam, China, India and the Philippines.
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How Were Indian Workers Exploited?
A Europol-supported investigation conducted by the Dutch Labour Authority uncovered a trafficking network allegedly exploiting more than 70 Indian nationals employed in restaurants across five EU countries.
The network reportedly generated at least €4 million in profits through long working hours and exploitative employment practices.
Two suspects were arrested during the investigation.
What Other Cases Were Discovered?
In Germany, authorities identified 63 potential victims working in hospitality establishments and nail salons.
Investigators uncovered suspected underpayment, illegal employment and restrictions on workers’ freedom.
In Cyprus, a livestock farm worker was reportedly found living in extremely poor conditions and working 10-hour days without pay or days off.
Authorities also suspected that the worker’s passport had been withheld.
Which Countries Were Involved?
The 27 trafficking-related arrests included suspects from Hungary, Vietnam, Montenegro and the Netherlands.
Authorities also uncovered cases involving sexual exploitation, forced begging and domestic servitude.
The operation formed part of an EMPACT initiative led by Sweden, focusing on coordinated action against cross-border organised crime.
What Did Europol Say?
Europol’s Acting Executive Director, Jürgen Ebner, emphasised the importance of cooperation between enforcement agencies in dismantling trafficking networks.
He described the operation as the first result of a working arrangement between Europol and the European Labour Authority to strengthen action against labour exploitation and cross-border social security fraud.
European Commissioner Magnus Brunner also called for stronger action against criminals profiting from human trafficking.
What Does This Mean?
The operation highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers, including Indians, to exploitation through cross-border employment networks. The findings underline the importance of coordinated investigations, stronger labour inspections and international cooperation to identify victims and dismantle trafficking operations.
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