Digital sprint to disrupt sexual exploitation of Ukrainian nationals

In a coordinated effort to combat human trafficking, Europol hosted an international operational action between 25 and 28 February 2025, bringing together analytical, OSINT and investigative experts from 12 countries, including Ukraine*. The action took place at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague, coinciding with the third anniversary of the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

The operational action had an intelligence-driven approach and was aimed at detecting and disrupting human trafficking networks active online. With a focus on the sexual exploitation of Ukrainian nationals, experts monitored online platforms, identified potential cases and cross-checked intelligence against national databases.

The main objectives of the operation included:

• Mapping and prioritising high-impact criminal networks
• Detecting new victims and associates

Some of the results include:

• 690 entities checked (including platforms, persons, usernames, locations and phone numbers)
• 21 potential suspected human traffickers identified
• 41 potential victims of human trafficking identified

Europol’s support in targeting human traffickers operating online

Europol played a key role in facilitating the operation, providing logistical, financial and analytical support. The agency enabled real-time data crosschecks, allowing participating countries to enhance their investigations with the latest operational intelligence. Europol’s operational coordination also ensured continued international cooperation beyond the duration of the activity.

As criminal networks increasingly exploit online platforms for recruitment, facilitation, advertisement, payment and victim control, traditional investigative methods are being reinforced with cutting-edge digital tools. This operation provided a unique opportunity to test and evaluate new investigative technologies, ensuring law enforcement agencies stay ahead of emerging threats.

This four-day-long operational action focused on the digital aspect of human trafficking highlights Europol’s continued efforts to combat human trafficking. As an innovative operational model, it may serve as a blueprint for future cross-border investigations into other forms of serious and organised crime.

Participating countries: 

• Belgium
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Finland
• Ireland
• Latvia
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Spain
• Sweden
• Ukraine