Two suspects arrested in Estonia during international Operation Global Chain for suspected pimping
Two people suspected of pimping were arrested in Estonia during an international operation against human trafficking known as Operation Global Chain.
Two suspects arrested in Estonia during international Operation Global Chain for suspected pimping
Estonia participated in a large-scale international operation known as Global Chain, during which two people suspected of pimping were identified and arrested. The operation took place in Estonia between 8–12 June.
According to Margo Kivila, head of the organised crime unit at the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), various companies were inspected in Estonia during the operation. Pimping is a criminal offence in Estonia, and criminal proceedings have been initiated against the suspects. The PPA declined to specify the suspects' nationality, but confirmed that the exploited women were Ukrainian citizens.
In addition to those arrested, ten sex workers from third countries (non-EU) were expelled from Estonia during the operation. Most of them were Colombian citizens according to Kivila, whilst others came from Moldova, Russia and Brazil. The violations pertained primarily to work and residence permits.
"The problem was that people who arrived in Estonia on a tourist visa were working here," Kivila explained.
In total, the Global Chain operation involved checking 871 people and 62 companies internationally. The PPA used risk matrices in its assessment. "In selecting companies, we evaluate several risk factors, such as whether they employ foreigners. We also review complaints and tips that have come in," said Kivila. He added: "People engaged in prostitution are in a risk group and we monitor them regularly. They face a greater risk of being forced into prostitution or pushed into it due to difficult circumstances, and escaping from it may not be possible without outside help."
Compared with other participating countries, Estonia stood out positively in Kivila's assessment for the fact that no cases involving minors were identified.
Internationally, the operation identified 2,070 potential victims and arrested 1,024 suspects, including 334 suspected of human trafficking. The operation was led by Austria and Romania, with coordination from Europol, Frontex and INTERPOL. The focus was on various forms of human trafficking, including sexual exploitation, forced criminality and forced begging.
The operation involved authorities from 59 countries. Estonia was represented by the PPA, the Labour Inspectorate, the Tax and Customs Board and victim support specialists from the Social Insurance Board.
Source: ERR News
Source: ERR News