Human trafficking reports rise in Argentina, 369 victims rescued this year

Argentina's fight against human trafficking remains intense, with 369 victims rescued and assisted in the first six months of 2026. The national tip line, 145, received 1,369 anonymous alerts, continuing a trend of high reporting rates. Since the law's enactment in 2008, over 22,800 victims have been rescued. The theme for this year, "Trapped Behind the Scam," highlights the growing phenomenon of forced criminality through online scams. In the first half of 2026, the 369 rescued individuals included 27 minors and 68 foreigners. The National Coordination unit conducted 638 interventions, ranging from raids to victim assistance and judicial proceedings. Prosecutors from the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Trafficking and Exploitation of Persons (Protex) note that human trafficking has evolved beyond traditional exploitation schemes. It has become more sophisticated, adapting to technological, social, and economic changes. Digital tools are increasingly used for recruitment, and criminal organizations exploit online scams to force victims into criminal activities. "The international agenda no longer focuses solely on identifying victims and pursuing perpetrators. It now incorporates new challenges related to the use of digital technologies by criminal organizations, investigations into money obtained through exploitation, international cooperation, and the comprehensive reparation of victims," stated Protex. This shift underscores the complex and evolving nature of human trafficking in the digital age.

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The international agenda no longer focuses solely on identifying victims and pursuing perpetrators. It now incorporates new challenges related to the use of digital technologies by criminal organizations, investigations into money obtained through exploitation, international cooperation, and the comprehensive reparation of victims.