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 technologyfacilitated trafficking, such as online recruitment, scams, and abuse, by collaborating with
tech companies and improving digital forensics capabilities.