The Federal Police of Brazil (PF) dismantled two criminal organizations dedicated to the international trafficking of women for sexual exploitation to European and Asian countries. In operations carried out with the cooperation of Europoly and Interpol, about 100 victims were identified. During the so-called 'Operation Rufiã', authorities conducted raids and arrests in the Federal District and the state of Goiás, in addition to seizing assets valued at up to 58 million reais (about 10.7 million dollars). One of the group's leaders was arrested in Goiás and is accused of maintaining transnational networks operating in countries such as Serbia, Jordan, Israel, Austria, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, and Montenegro. In parallel, the PF, together with the National Police of Spain and with Interpol's support, carried out 'Operation Alicia,' focused on a network that trafficked women to Spain. The operation took place in cities like São Paulo, Ubatuba, and Rio das Ostras, where 40 million reais (about 7.4 million dollars) obtained illicitly were seized. In that case, 33 women were also rescued, 28 of whom are Brazilian, as a result of a previous operation carried out by Spanish authorities last June. According to data from Brazil's Ministry of Justice, during 2024, 68% of Brazilian victims of international trafficking were exploited in Asian countries such as the Philippines and Laos, mainly for slave labor on betting platforms, while 22% of the cases were recorded in Europe.
