Malian law enforcement conducted a large-scale operation in Bamako on February 26th, arresting 477 individuals involved in a network of human trafficking and transnational fraud.
The suspects, primarily from West African nations, are accused of exploiting vulnerable people and engaging in various fraudulent activities.
The operation, the culmination of months of investigation and surveillance, resulted in the arrest of 329 men, 148 women, and 14 children aged between one month and six years. The suspects hail primarily from Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Senegal.
Those arrested are accused of human trafficking, including the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals. They allegedly used false promises of employment or improved living conditions to lure victims into forced labor or sexual exploitation. Additionally, they are suspected of orchestrating sophisticated fraud schemes, including financial fraud, false recruitment, and investment scams.
The investigation is ongoing to identify potential accomplices and determine the full scope of the criminal network. These arrests are part of Mali’s broader efforts to combat human trafficking and transnational crime. Previous operations, such as INTERPOL and AFRIPOL’s Operation FLASH-WEKA in 2023, led to over 1,000 arrests related to migrant smuggling and human exploitation. Operation Jackal III in 2024 resulted in 300 arrests and the freezing of 720 bank accounts used for fraudulent activities, some of which were traced to Mali. A 2022 study by the International Organization for Migration highlighted Mali’s role as a transit and exploitation zone for trafficking networks.
In response, Malian authorities have strengthened their efforts to combat transnational crime. Measures include intensified surveillance, stricter laws on cybercrime and human trafficking, and enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries’ security services. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate people about the risks of fraudulent job offers and illegal migration.
The ongoing investigation aims to establish all responsibilities and identify the beneficiaries of these criminal networks. The arrested suspects are being interrogated, and authorities are considering national and international legal proceedings. This operation demonstrates Mali’s commitment to combating organized crime and protecting vulnerable individuals from human trafficking and financial fraud.
MD/ac/fss/abj/APA