THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL POLICE ORGANISATION (INTERPOL) IN COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

International Criminal Police Organisation(INTERPOL) played a remarkable role in combating human trafficking, a serious violation of human rights that affects millions globally. Traffickers continuously exploit the use of technology to expand their reach and profits while reducing their risk of detection by law enforcement. This entails using digital platforms for recruitment, trafficking coordination, and fraud activities, making it harder for authorities to track and dismantle networks. This paper seeks to examine the role of INTERPOL in the universal fight against human trafficking through various initiatives aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities, facilitating international cooperation, and conducting operations that target trafficking networks. INTERPOL aims to streamline efforts against organised crime groups, providing operational and strategic analysis to improve understanding of trafficking routes and trends. This paper aims to examine and expound how INTERPOL helps to fight against human trafficking globally. More specifically, it focuses on Interpol's efforts to support law enforcement agencies worldwide. This paper adopted the doctrinal research method in conducting the present research. This paper found that despite the significant role of INTERPOL in combating human trafficking. It has been identified that traffickers increasingly use sophisticated technological methods, including online scams and fraud, to exploit victims. Traffickers are also disguised as victims to avoid being detected. This paper concluded that INTERPOL has been actively involved in combating human trafficking through various initiatives and operations. This paper recommends that INTERPOL should develop and deploy advanced technological tools, including AI and enhanced data analytics, to better detect and disrupt traffickers’ use of online platforms and sophisticated communication methods. It should also intensify efforts to counter technology facilitated trafficking, such as online recruitment, scams, and abuse, by collaborating with tech companies and improving digital forensics capabilities.