An international operation this week dismantled a human-trafficking network in Albania that lured women, mainly from Colombia. Credit: AP/Co1A coordinated international operation this week dismantled a transnational human-trafficking network in Albania that lured women from South America, mainly from Colombia, and sexually exploited them across Europe, authorities said Friday. Eurojust, working with Europol and national police in Albania, Colombia, and Croatia, said simultaneous raids on October 1 resulted in 17 arrests, seven in Albania and 10 in Colombia, and 16 house searches, seven in Albania and nine in Colombia. Investigators identified 54 victims from South America (44 in Albania, five in Croatia, and five in Colombia) and seized evidence and equipment linked to the criminal operation, officials said. Investigators said the trafficking operation used a call-centre model to manage bookings and payments, with operators negotiating prices and controlling victims’ movements.