Interpol sting nets 195 suspects

Numerous people have been arrested for human trafficking offences following an international police operation that led to 500 victims being found – including many in Africa. Interpol said police in 24 countries including Kenya, Brazil and France, took part in Operation Weka, which was carried out between 28 March and 2 April. A report on the allAfrica site notes that the operation led to 195 arrests, including 88 in connection with trafficking crimes. The rest were mainly for migrant smuggling and related offences such as document fraud and theft. One of the victims was a 15-year old Congolese female who had been sexually abused on a journey with smugglers to escape a forced marriage. Others were construction workers from the DRC, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan who had their passports taken away from them and had not been paid. ‘We will continue to help countries untangle sensitive and complex cases, which will undoubtedly generate more arrests in the months to come,’ said Interpol secretary-general Juergen Stock.