Europol says 212 human traffickers held from Nov. 8-12

THE HAGUE

The EU's police agency announced on Friday that 212 people were arrested during operations against criminal organizations operating in Europe and the Balkans between Nov. 8 and 12.

“Supported large-scale international action against trafficking in human beings. 29 countries, led by Austria and Romania, took part," Europol said in a statement.

The action saw more than 14,000 law enforcement officers target trafficking routes on roads and at airports, it said, adding: “This resulted in 212 arrests and the identification of a further 89 trafficking suspects."

Over 147,660 people and 91,950 vehicles were checked, and 327 additional investigations initiated.

Europol carries out operations against people involved in cross-border smuggling, theft and organized crime in Europe under the umbrella of the EMPACT security framework, which it started in 2012.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar in Ankara