Hundreds of police officers were involved in the raids, during which they conducted a total of 78 searches resulting in 28 arrests, according to Reuters. 

Those taken into custody are believed to be involved in human trafficking, criminal association, aiding illegal immigration, illegal labor recruitment, extortion, money laundering and physical harm.

The suspects are believed to belong to a ring that lured people to Portugal under the ruse of a job prospect to work as farmhands.

Among those detained are both Portuguese and foreign nationals, according to reports.

Also read: Hundreds of alleged victims of migrant labor exploitation found in Portugal

Victims often remain 'invisible'

The suspects will be presented before a judge on Wednesday to be questioned and presumably charged.

Officials said they seized significant evidence during the operation, which would help identify "dozens of victims" targeted by the group.

Among those alleged to have been exploited by the criminal group were migrants from Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, India, Senegal and Pakistan.

Also read: Portugal urged to do more to identify human trafficking victims

Little justice done at the courts

The Council of Europe has reported that over 1,150 people are suspected of having fallen victim to trafficking between 2016 and 2020 alone. The numbers meanwhile continue to grow.

Cases of labor exploitation and human trafficking have been rising, especially in Portugal's agricultural sector.

However, the "number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions" remains low in relation to the size of the victim group, said Reuters.

Also read: In Portugal, young Africans who dream of soccer targeted by human traffickers

with Reuters