Today, authorities in Romania and Italy conducted synchronised actions against a human trafficking network. The operation led to detention of 19 suspects and two people who were put under judicial control. Authorities searched 25 places yielding in the seizure of firearms, cash and luxury vehicles. Eurojust coordinated the international investigation by setting up a joint investigation team and organising several meetings at the Agency’s premises in The Hague where information was shared and the action day was planned.

The criminal group suspected of human trafficking was set up in a pyramid-type hierarchical structure. The first level consisted of senior members of each family involved, who made all the decisions for the organisation, coordinating the financial and logistical operations. The second level, comprising of direct relatives of the leaders, identified and recruited victims and controlled their exploitation. The third level of the criminal organisation was responsible for disguising the illegal proceeds from the exploitation.

Victims were lured into the network using the lover boy method, where the suspects presented themselves as trusted partners and protectors with an extravagant and opulent lifestyle. The members of the group convinced their victims that prostitution was a necessary sacrifice to contribute to the financial well-being of the group.

Investigations into the criminal group revealed that they had generated over EUR 1.7 million from their criminal activities. To hide their profits, they laundered their income into real estate, luxury cars, gold jewellery and other assets. The suspects recruited, transported and exploited over 30 victims, some of whom were still under the group’s control until 18 November.

The successful operation demonstrates the full commitment of Eurojust and Italian and Romanian authorities to combat human trafficking, ensure that victims are protected and that those responsible are held accountable.

The actions were carried out by the following authorities:

• Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office Rome; State Police – Central Operational Service
• Romania: Prosecution Office of the High Court of Cassation and Justice; Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime; Iasi Territorial Office; Romanian Police – Brigade for Combating Organized Crime Iasi