On 22 May 2026, Dr Karen Latricia Hough from FUNDEA, alongside Dr Despoina Chatzakou and Dr Theoni Spathi from CERTH, Dr Roberto Acquaviva, (ENG) and Sara Diez and Jiang Zhicheng (Bull), delivered a high-level online presentation of the Horizon Europe VANGUARD Project to the Anti-Trafficking Unit of the Guardia Civil at Madrid Headquarters. The session showcased the project’s innovative approach to combating trafficking in human beings through the integration of advanced AI-supported technologies, operational intelligence tools, and multidisciplinary social-scientific research. The presentation highlighted how the VANGUARD project is developing ethical, human-centred, and technologically advanced solutions to strengthen the prevention, detection, and investigation of trafficking networks across Europe.
Key social-scientific findings emerging from the project’s ongoing research activities were presented, including insights into evolving trafficking patterns, victim protection considerations, and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing operational responses and cross-border cooperation among law-enforcement and security stakeholders. Researchers also conducted an online demonstration of the VANGUARD ToolSuite, presenting capabilities designed to support law-enforcement authorities in identifying trafficking activities, analysing complex criminal networks, and improving intelligence-led investigations. Funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme, the VANGUARD Project brings together leading research organisations, technology providers, and security stakeholders to advance innovative, ethical, and collaborative solutions against trafficking in human beings.
