Major Human Trafficking Ring Busted in Swiss-Romanian Operation

In a significant breakthrough against international human trafficking, Swiss and Romanian authorities have successfully dismantled a major criminal network operating across both countries. The coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of 18 suspects, with five apprehensions in Switzerland and thirteen in Romania. The Swiss arrests were concentrated in Zurich (4) and Solothurn (1), marking one of the largest anti-trafficking operations in recent Swiss history.

The criminal network, active for over seven years in various European countries, established a strong presence in German-speaking Switzerland since 2022. The organization employed sophisticated recruitment tactics, targeting vulnerable women in Romania through social media platforms. The gang's leader, based in Switzerland, had established what Eurojust described as a 'school of criminals,' training others in exploitation techniques. The criminals used a combination of emotional manipulation and false promises of legitimate sex work to lure victims, subsequently forcing them into degrading conditions. The network operated by renting apartments and advertising victims' services on escort websites, with even pregnant women being forced into prostitution.

Following the successful operation, authorities have prioritized the safety and recovery of trafficking victims. Specialized counseling services have been mobilized to provide comprehensive support to the rescued individuals. The victims, primarily women from disadvantaged backgrounds in Romania, are receiving assistance through dedicated support programs. Swiss authorities, known for their victim-centered approach in trafficking cases, are working closely with Romanian counterparts to ensure comprehensive care and protection for all identified victims.

The successful operation highlights the effective collaboration between Swiss and Romanian law enforcement agencies, coordinated through Eurojust. In Switzerland, the operation involved the Zurich cantonal prosecutor's office and Zurich city police, while Romanian authorities conducted simultaneous raids in the regions of Bacău, Neamț, and Iași. The operation also targeted individuals involved in money laundering and logistical support for the trafficking network. This cross-border cooperation demonstrates Switzerland's commitment to combating international human trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable individuals.