Law enforcement agencies from the Netherlands and Romania have broken up a major human trafficking operation centered in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.
Officers arrested seven suspects across both countries following a lengthy joint investigation into allegations of forced prostitution, violence, and death threats.
Four men were detained in Amsterdam during high-profile afternoon and evening raids in the city center, while three others were taken into custody in Romania.
Raids across the city center
The coordinated action targeted multiple locations, including residences on Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Oudekerksplein, Zeedijk, and Gravenstraat.
Masked tactical units also arrested one suspect while he was working out at a gym on Oosterdok, and seized a bicycle taxi allegedly used to monitor workers in the neighborhood.
Detectives say the group exploited dozens of women working behind the regulated window brothels in the historic district while living off the profits.
Extradition and legal proceedings
The primary suspect was arrested at a fortified property in Romania, where tactical teams had to force their way inside.
Dutch authorities have requested the extradition of two men arrested abroad so they can stand trial alongside the suspects held in the Netherlands.
Six of the seven men face prosecution before the Amsterdam District Court, while the final suspect will be processed under Romanian law.
Rare crackdown on window brothels
While human trafficking cases are regularly prosecuted in the capital, large-scale networks operating directly within the legal window prostitution system are rarely uncovered in such numbers.
The operations were intentionally carried out during daytime and early evening hours, drawing significant attention from local residents and business owners in the area.
The City of Amsterdam and local police forces continue to monitor the Red Light District as part of broader efforts to tackle organized crime in the area.
