Belgium contributes to Operation Global Chain against human trafficking
Belgium has contributed to Operation Global Chain 2026, a large-scale international law enforcement operation targeting human trafficking networks. Coordinated across 59 countries, the operation took place from 8 to 12 June 2026 and focused on trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced criminality and forced begging, with a particular focus on underage victims. In Belgium, a police operation in Charleroi and Verviers led to the dismantling of a trafficking network and the identification of 22 minor victims.
In Belgium, 17 suspects were arrested following an investigation into a trafficking ring recruiting underage girls through social media. The suspects allegedly held the victims captive and forced them to provide sexual services across Belgium and France. The operation resulted in the identification of 22 minor victims, including 21 Belgian and one Polish national, and uncovered links to ongoing investigations. Charges include forced prostitution and inciting minors to engage in sexual acts.
The Belgian operation formed part of a wider international effort involving more than 40.000 officers from 59 countries, including law enforcement authorities, border guards, labour inspectorates, and tax and customs authorities. Across the participating countries, 2.070 victims and potential victims were identified, and 1.024 suspects were arrested, including 334 suspected of human trafficking. The operation also led to 465 new investigations and the identification of 201 additional human trafficking suspects.
Coordinated by Europol, Frontex and INTERPOL under the EMPACT framework, Operation Global Chain highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling trafficking networks, which increasingly make use of online platforms to recruit, advertise and control victims.
For further details, please read the press release from Europol and the press release from Interpol.
