A major multinational law enforcement effort coordinated by INTERPOL has safeguarded more than 4,400 people at risk of trafficking, alongside the arrest of thousands of suspected offenders, authorities announced this week. The global operation, known as Operation Liberterra III, brought together police forces from 119 countries in a coordinated crackdown on human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks, underscoring both the scale of exploitation worldwide and the growing importance of cross-border cooperation.

A large-scale international law enforcement operation coordinated by INTERPOL has led to the protection of more than 4,400 people who authorities say were at risk of human trafficking, alongside thousands of arrests linked to trafficking and migrant smuggling offences.

The operation, known as Operation Liberterra III, took place over a two-week period in November 2025, involving police forces from 119 countries. According to INTERPOL, approximately 14,000 officers participated in coordinated actions including raids, inspections, intelligence-sharing activities, and targeted border checks.

Authorities reported that 3,744 people were arrested during the operation, with hundreds of new investigations launched. Many of these cases remain ongoing, with further inquiries expected as evidence gathered during the operation continues to be analysed.

A coordinated global response

INTERPOL described Operation Liberterra III as part of a continuing international effort to disrupt criminal networks involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Officials said the operation focused on identifying organised groups operating across borders, often exploiting gaps between national jurisdictions.

Speaking about the operation, INTERPOL officials emphasised that trafficking networks increasingly operate internationally, adapting routes and methods to evade detection. According to the organisation, cooperation between national police forces is essential to identifying patterns that would otherwise remain hidden within individual countries.

Who was affected

Authorities reported that the people identified as being at risk of trafficking included adults and children, though detailed demographic breakdowns were not made public. In keeping with safeguarding practices, limited identifying information has been released.

INTERPOL said that those identified as potential victims were referred to national protection services, including social care providers and non-governmental organisations, for support. Officials stressed that identification during such operations does not automatically imply a legal determination of victim status, but rather signals the need for protection and assessment.

Methods of exploitation uncovered

According to information released by INTERPOL, the operation exposed a wide range of alleged exploitation methods. These included forced labour, sexual exploitation, forced criminality, and deceptive recruitment practices.

In several regions, authorities reported uncovering large-scale scam operations, where people were allegedly recruited under false promises of legitimate employment and then coerced into exploitative conditions. Law enforcement agencies also reported finding individuals subjected to labour exploitation in agriculture, construction, and informal industries.

In some cases, investigators said trafficking networks relied on debt, threats, or restrictions on movement to maintain control over people. INTERPOL noted that such methods reflect broader global trends identified by international organisations working on trafficking prevention.

The broader context

Human trafficking remains a global issue shaped by economic inequality, conflict, migration pressures, and weak labour protections. International bodies including the United Nations have repeatedly warned that people displaced by poverty, violence, or climate-related disasters face heightened risks of exploitation.

Advocacy organisations argue that while enforcement operations are crucial, trafficking cannot be addressed through policing alone. They point to the need for long-term investment in survivor support, safe migration pathways, labour rights enforcement, and prevention strategies that reduce vulnerability before exploitation occurs.

Operation Liberterra III, INTERPOL officials said, aimed not only to disrupt criminal activity but also to improve intelligence on emerging trafficking patterns. Information gathered during the operation is expected to inform future prevention and enforcement efforts.

What happens next

Many of the arrests made during the operation are at early legal stages. INTERPOL has stated that investigations will continue at national level, with prosecutors determining whether charges are brought based on domestic law.

Authorities are also reviewing intelligence gathered during the operation to identify additional suspects and networks. INTERPOL said future coordinated actions are likely as law enforcement agencies build on lessons learned from this operation.

While the scale of the operation underscores the seriousness of global trafficking, experts caution that lasting progress depends on sustained cooperation, survivor-centred responses, and policies that address the conditions that allow exploitation to flourish.

FAQs

What was Operation Liberterra III?
Operation Liberterra III was a global law enforcement operation coordinated by INTERPOL to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

How many countries were involved?
Police forces from 119 countries participated in the operation.

How many people were arrested?
Authorities reported 3,744 arrests linked to trafficking and related offences.

How many people were protected?
More than 4,400 people were identified as being at risk of trafficking and referred for protection and support.

Does identification mean someone was legally confirmed as a trafficking victim?
No. Identification during police operations indicates potential risk and the need for protection, not a final legal determination.

What types of exploitation were identified?
Authorities reported cases involving forced labour, sexual exploitation, forced criminality, and deceptive recruitment practices.

Why is international cooperation important in trafficking cases?
Trafficking networks often operate across borders, making coordinated international investigations essential to identifying and disrupting them.

Source note:
This article is based on reporting by the Associated Press, published on 26 January 2026. Read the original story here:
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/interpol-arrests-3700-suspects-global-trafficking-crackdown-129560370