Police actions against child trafficking in Europe have arrested 388 suspects. 249 possible victims were also identified, reports the European police organization Europol Wednesday.
The actions, which took place in October, were coordinated by the United Kingdom, Portugal and Spain, in collaboration with Europol.
The operation targeted organized gangs who offer children in multiple countries for sexual abuse and exploit them as workers or beggars. According to Europol, the children were also forced to commit crimes, such as smuggling prohibited goods.
Within the European Union, child trafficking often takes place with the help of family members. The gangs are “linked by large clan networks, operate in many countries and move the children on a rotation system,” Europol said.
According to the European Police Organization, 61 of the 249 identified victims are minors, the age of more than 100 others has yet to be determined.
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