Mexico’s Ricardo Mejía and Colombia’s El Peñol launch digital‑trafficking fight

Mexican federal deputy Ricardo Mejía Berdeja (PT) urged stronger coordination among security agencies, prosecutors and international partners to combat the growing link between human trafficking and digital fraud. Citing the UNODC’s 2024 theme “Trapped after the scam”, he warned that criminal groups use false job offers and online platforms to recruit victims, move them abroad and force them to run online scams, calling for enhanced cyber‑crime investigations, financial‑tracking capabilities and legal reforms to protect victims.

In El Peñol, Antioquia, Colombia, the forum “Voces que Previenen la Trata” gathered representatives from the Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar, the regional government, the local prosecutor’s office, police, schools and dozens of adolescents. Participants highlighted how social‑media, gaming and unsolicited messages can expose children to traffickers offering bogus jobs, travel or financial incentives. The event emphasized listening to youth, strengthening protective environments and providing tools to prevent exploitation in digital spaces.