Polish Border Guards dismantle criminal network trafficking people from Latin America for forced labor.
Arrests and Investigation
Polish Border Guards arrested eight individuals in a human trafficking and money laundering operation. Six have been remanded in custody. The investigation, which began in 2024, targeted a criminal group led by a Ukrainian citizen and a Polish national, with members primarily from Ukraine, Poland, and Uzbekistan.
Victims and Operations
The group trafficked approximately 2,000 foreign nationals, primarily from Latin America, with Colombians making up the majority. They recruited victims in their home countries and then ostensibly sent them to work in Poland using companies registered outside the European Union. The operation involved forced labor through violence, threats, and exploitation of victims’ vulnerable situations.
Seized Assets
During searches of 17 residential and commercial premises in Pomeranian Voivodeship, authorities seized cash, investment gold, numismatic items, and jewelry worth 3.6 million złoty. The Financial Information General Inspector blocked 28 bank accounts containing over 3.8 million złoty based on the investigation.
Legal Proceedings
The suspects face charges of organized crime and human trafficking. Six individuals have been arrested for three months, while two are under police supervision with travel restrictions and property guarantees. They face sentences ranging from 3 to 20 years in prison. The case is ongoing with further arrests expected.