International operation 'Global Chain' uncovers 20 potential human trafficking victims in BiH

(Patria) - As part of the international operation codenamed "Global Chain", conducted from June 1 to 6, 2025, under the coordination of EUROPOL, FRONTEX, and INTERPOL, 1,194 human trafficking victims were identified, and 158 individuals were arrested worldwide.



In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the operation was carried out from June 2 to 6, under the leadership of the National Coordination Center established at the level of the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH, in cooperation with the Central Coordination Center in Warsaw.

3,220 police officers participated in BiH, over 40,000 individuals checked

Thirteen law enforcement agencies in BiH participated in the operation, including the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), the Border Police of BiH, the Federal Police Administration, cantonal Ministries of Internal Affairs, the Police of Brčko District, and others, with the participation of the Prosecutor's Office of BiH and the National Contact Point for cooperation with EUROPOL.

A total of 3,220 officers were engaged in the field, 195 checkpoints were established, and checks were carried out on 41,933 individuals, 6,318 vehicles, 126 locations, and 71 flights.

20 potential victims discovered – three individuals arrested

During the operation in BiH, 20 potential human trafficking victims were discovered, including citizens of China, Brazil, and BiH, who were victims of sexual exploitation, forced begging, and forced marriages.

Three individuals were arrested – one Chinese citizen and two citizens of BiH – on suspicion of international recruitment for prostitution and human trafficking. Within the scope of the investigations, two INTERPOL yellow notices were issued, and searches of premises were conducted, during which evidence such as mobile phones, laptops, documents, and cash were found.

Rapid information exchange and international cooperation

Thanks to the use of secure communication channels of EUROPOL, INTERPOL, and SELEC, efficient and rapid information exchange at the international level was enabled. Four new national investigations and seven potential international investigations were initiated, involving criminal offenses of human trafficking, prostitution, forced begging, forced marriages, smuggling, and document forgery.

Two cases of international human trafficking, involving victims who are citizens of China and Brazil, were particularly highlighted. These cases were discovered thanks to the swift response of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs, the Federal Police Administration, and SIPA, under the supervision of the Prosecutor's Office of BiH.

Directorate a key player in international cooperation

The Director of the Directorate, Enes Karić, expressed satisfaction with the achieved results and the cooperation of all institutions:

“Thanks to joint efforts, Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved notable results and confirmed its status as a serious partner in the fight against human trafficking on the international stage.”

The "Global Chain" operation in BiH was also conducted with the support of the EU4FAST project, through which the EU assists in strengthening capacities for combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the Western Balkans.