Europol Operation Exposes Labour Abuse

Europol and the European Labour Authority said authorities arrested 27 people and identified 248 potential victims during a cross-border operation targeting human trafficking for labour exploitation. The action involved 34 countries and more than 16,000 officers, with inspections conducted from Sept. 14 to 20, 2026.

Authorities opened 182 new trafficking investigations and checked more than 137,800 entities, including workplaces, vehicles, documents and individuals. The operation focused on sectors considered vulnerable to exploitation, including agriculture, construction, hospitality, cosmetic services and massage parlours. Officials also reported cases involving sexual exploitation, forced begging and domestic servitude.

Most identified victims were male and came predominantly from Vietnam, China, India and the Philippines. Investigators said male victims were mainly exploited in construction, hospitality and agriculture, while female victims were frequently found in nail salons and massage parlours. Minors accounted for 5% of the potential victims.

Europol highlighted cases across several countries, including the alleged exploitation of more than 70 Indian nationals in restaurants across five European Union countries. Other investigations involved workers subjected to unpaid or underpaid labour, excessive working hours, withheld passports and degrading living conditions. The operation was supported by 18 joint or coordinated inspections led by the European Labour Authority.