North Macedonian police, participating in an international operation targeting human trafficking, have arrested nine individuals and discovered nine victims of trafficking, six of whom are minors. The operation, part of the EMPACT-OAP program, involved multiple units within the Ministry of Interior and focused on combating human trafficking, particularly of children, and related crimes such as illegal migration and document forgery.
The Ministry of Interior reports that the operation, which spanned several days, uncovered a total of nine criminal offenses, including neglect and maltreatment of a child, unauthorized production and distribution of narcotics, document forgery, and unauthorized possession of weapons. Eight people were arrested in connection with these offenses. Additionally, in the Tetovo area, one person was arrested based on an international warrant issued by the Republic of Slovakia for human trafficking.
Authorities seized a “Smith & Wesson SW 1911” pistol and six 45 mm caliber bullets from an individual who possessed them without a permit. Criminal proceedings have been initiated in this case. Furthermore, numerous misdemeanor charges have been filed against foreigners for unregulated stays or abuse of stay, as well as against several legal entities for operational irregularities such as unreported workers, failure to comply with working hours, and unfulfilled working conditions.
The international operation, involving 43 countries and organizations including Europol, Interpol, and Frontex, established a coordination center in Warsaw, Poland, with representatives from participating countries, including North Macedonia.
In North Macedonia, over 2,000 police officers were involved, conducting checks on 2,232 people, 1,598 vehicles, and 531 locations. The operation, known as Operational Action (OA) 3.5 JAD Global Chain, aims to enhance the capacity of law enforcement institutions to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking crimes through a multidisciplinary approach. The National Unit for Combating Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Human Beings, the Sector for Criminal Investigations, OSOZK, and other departments within the Ministry of Interior collaborated with the State Market Inspectorate, the Employment Agency, and the State Labor Inspectorate.