It also said two Bolivian child victims who were forced to work in a grocery store were rescued by Argentinian police, with arrests made.

Separately, Belgian authorities arrested 17 suspects after dismantling a trafficking network that allegedly held victims recruited via social media captive, and forced them into prostitution rings across Belgium and France.

The operation, which took place between 8 and 12 June, was conducted by 40,000 officers across countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.

It found that most of the victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation, while 20% were forced into criminality, 11% were forced into labour and 2% into forced begging.

Interpol said victims identified during the operation had been referred to national protection and support services, while 465 investigations had been launched as a result.

An additional 201 suspects were also identified in the operation. Countries including the UK, the US, France, Germany, Spain, Nigeria, Thailand and Vietnam took part in the operation.

Interpol Secretary Valdecy Urquiza said human trafficking remained “one of the most profitable and pervasive forms” of organised crimes, generating billions in illicit revenue each year.

He added that the crime caused “severe and lasting harm to victims”, saying the operation’s results “demonstrate what can be achieved when countries work together to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen cooperation across regions”.