17 – 20 September 2024 – According to Europol, between 17 and 20 September, a significant digital operation took place in the Netherlands as part of the EMPACT Hackathon, where 76 experts from 27 countries collaborated to address the escalating threat of online-enabled human trafficking. The four-day operation led to the identification of 16 suspected traffickers and 60 potential victims, among other significant findings.

In this context, the PAM Centre for Global Studies (CGS) acknowledges the crucial role of research, partnerships and international cooperation in addressing the misuse of AI and emerging technologies by criminal groups, advocating for stronger regulation of the digital space. Furthermore, as part of its broader efforts, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) launched a Communication Campaign Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants to raise awareness and promote collaborative action to combat these pressing issues.

Learn more: https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/empact-hackathon-16-suspected-human-traffickers-and-60-potential-victims-identified