As part of Operation Corda Bamba or 'Tight-rope', dozens of searches were carried out, with various items seized as a results and more than 100 victims identified, the force added.


The criminal group now said to have been dismantled was mainly made up of foreign citizens, who are believed to have sought workers abroad, promising to improve their lives, but then exploiting them through recourse to violence, threats and other forms of coercion, as well as being involved the sexual exploitation of the women and the extortion of others.


The suspected crimes being investigated took place in various districts in mainland Portugal. According to a police source, the operation took place mostly in Oeste region , along the Alentejo coast and in the Lower Alentejo.


The detainees, aged between 20 and 63, are to be questioned by a judge, who will decide whether to restrict their movements.


The operation continues with the aim of identifying other possible members of the group, as well as other victims.