SUSPECTS IN INTERNATIONAL OPERATION CODENAMED “VIR” /WHIRLPOOL/ AIMED AT FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING TO BE HANDED OVER TO PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE OF BIH

This is a case of international cooperation in which the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH is conducting an investigation into the illegal abduction of a minor from Cazin, for the purpose of sexual exploitation and prostitution in the territory of the Republic of Austria.

A prosecutor from the Special Department for Organised Crime, Economic Crime and Corruption coordinated the activities of SIPA police officers, in which one suspect was deprived of liberty.

The activities were carried out in cooperation with partner institutions from the Republic of Croatia, and it is an investigation related to the illegal removal of a minor from the area of Cazin, under the guise of employment in a catering facility in Austria, but with the real intention of exploiting the difficult position of the victim for the purpose of her sexual exploitation.

The judiciary of the Republic of Croatia is conducting proceedings against one BiH citizen, and the other suspect was deprived of liberty yesterday, because he was serving a prison sentence.

After being handed over to the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH, the acting prosecutor will examine the suspect and make a decision on further activities.

In coordination with relevant institutions, the identified victim was provided assistance and care of the relevant institutions.

The Prosecutor’s Office of BiH and partner institutions are working to identify other victims in this case.