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International Digital Operation Targets Online Human Trafficking Networks
Date Posted: September 25th, 2026
Europol brought together investigators, analysts and open-source intelligence specialists from 12 countries for a four-day operation targeting human trafficking networks exploiting Ukrainian nationals online. Held February 25–28 at Europol headquarters in The Hague, the coordinated effort focused on identifying criminal networks using online platforms to recruit, facilitate, advertise, receive payments for and control victims. Investigators monitored online activity, identified potential cases and cross-checked information against national databases. During the operation, participating agencies checked 690 entities, including online platforms, individuals, usernames, locations and phone numbers. Investigators identified 21 potential suspected human traffickers and 41 potential victims of human trafficking. Europol supported the participating countries with analytical resources and real-time data cross-checking, allowing investigators to compare newly developed intelligence with information held by national authorities.
The operation also gave investigators an opportunity to test and evaluate new digital investigative technologies as trafficking networks increasingly move recruitment, communication, payments and other activity onto online platforms. The operation brought together authorities from Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Ukraine. Europol said the intelligence-driven model could also provide a framework for future international investigations into other forms of serious and organized crime. Read the full press release from Europol here.
The Penlink Training Summit returns to Omaha, Nebraska, March 8–10, 2027, bringing together investigators, analysts, agency leaders and security professionals for two and a half days of training, learning and collaboration.
Europol brought together investigators, analysts and open-source intelligence specialists from 12 countries for a four-day operation targeting human trafficking networks exploiting Ukrainian nationals online.
Penlink, a leading provider of digital intelligence solutions for law enforcement, national security, defense and enterprise organizations, announced today that Training Manager Brittany Hansen was presented with the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of War program.
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