From Venezuela, Maria travelled halfway around the world in search of a better life. Instead, the mother of two was trapped in Albanian detention for months after being lured into illegal sex work.

Maria, 38, is among a growing number of women drawn by international criminal networks into the Balkan nation from impoverished countries on the promise of lucrative sex work and a potential gateway to Europe.

She is just one victim of a criminal web that spans continents.

Earlier this week, international police busted a “highly organised” network that exploited over 50 women similar to Maria, whose name AFP has changed to protect her.

According to Europol, police arrested 17 alleged traffickers on Wednesday, who had brought women from Latin America to Albania and Croatia.

The women were ei

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