An international Europol-supported operation identified 51 potential human trafficking victims and five suspected traffickers during the fifth EMPACT Hackathon. The initiative brought together 40 experts from 20 countries to investigate how criminal networks use digital platforms to facilitate sexual and labour exploitation. Held in Amsterdam from Sept. 23 to 25, the operation was led by the Netherlands and co-led by Germany, Romania and the United Kingdom. Police officers, labour authorities and online investigation specialists examined websites, social media accounts and messaging applications for indicators of trafficking and forced criminality. Investigators checked 26 online platforms, 77 social media accounts and 166 related entities, identifying six potential criminal networks. The operation produced leads involving recruitment advertisements, phone numbers and online profiles allegedly linked to cross-border exploitation networks. Authorities also examined suspected recruitment for organ removal and the exploitation of Vietnamese women as surrogates. Europol provided human trafficking specialists, digital investigation experts and analysts, while Eurojust supported the operation. The investigative leads were referred to relevant national authorities for further assessment and possible criminal investigations, as well as evaluations of the protection needs of potential victims. Post navigation South Burnett Dangerous Driving Charges Queensland Constable Charged Over Misconduct