Europol operation identifies criminal networks trapping Ukrainian refugees
Ukrainian refugees in Medyka, on the border with Poland.
April 12, 2022. REUTERS - LEONHARD FOEGER
Text by: RFI Follow
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In a joint operation, European police were able to identify suspected criminals who were trying to trap Ukrainian victims online, women who fled the invasion of their country.
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According to the Europol agency, nine suspected human traffickers, nine potential victims and nearly 42 suspicious platforms have been identified.
The operation took place at the end of May.
During this "hackathon", a joint online action, the investigators targeted criminal networks trying
to trap Ukrainian refugees,
adults and minors.
"
Law enforcement found a significant number of suspicious job postings targeting Ukrainian women, some described as 'photo shoots'
," the agency warned.
"
Investigators identified attempts to lure victims with offers of a 'bright future', which led them to sexual exploitation
", explained Europol, adding that "
suspicious activities were detected on a wide range platforms, including in the Russian language,
" he added.
Fourteen countries of the European Union took part in this day of action and 15 new investigations were opened.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, several NGOs have warned against the risk for Ukrainian women of falling into human trafficking networks when they arrive in the European Union.
For their part, the United Nations asks the authorities of the host countries to remain attentive.
In particular, they advocate the registration of all persons arriving from Ukraine, with or without a passport.
Particular attention should be paid to unaccompanied children and adolescents.
► To read also: In Poland, faced with the risk of trafficking, it is necessary to protect Ukrainian women
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