Taskforce 12

Taskforce 12 was a covert operational unit formed under the aegis of Interpol, dedicated to dismantling transnational human trafficking syndicates operating undercover across Europe. Active from the early 2010s until its secretive restructuring in 2015, the unit gained notoriety for its aggressive undercover operations, high-risk infiltration missions, and strategic partnerships with intelligence agencies such as MI6, the FSB, and Europol. It is sometimes considered one of the most secret Police units within Europe, sometimes having similar powers to intelligence agencies.

Origins and Purpose

Created in response to the exponential rise of human trafficking rings operating across borders on the request of France, the United Kingdom and Germany, particularly involving minors and victims trafficked for elite exploitation, Taskforce 12 emerged as a hybrid team blending law enforcement, forensic analysts, and deep-cover operatives. Its primary goal was to investigate and destroy networks that thrived on corruption, political protection, and legal loopholes. Nowadays, it mainly operates against a human-trafficking network, not yet formally identified, following the murder of a young student in Woolwich, London. The unit has identified many clusters, mainly based in Paris and London, but acts cautiously due to the risk of human lives.

Key Operations

Taskforce 12 played a central role in uncovering the vast criminal apparatus surrounding the Duval network, an organisation responsible for manipulating minors, producing compromising material, and weaponising blackmail. The group operated with support from corrupt officials and judicial insiders, exploiting systemic weaknesses across France, Switzerland, and the UK.

One of Taskforce 12’s most notable operations occurred in France in 2013, when a civilian consultant, Charlotte Kominsky, assisted the unit in exposing high-level collusion between law enforcement and traffickers. The search and rescue mission of Vasara Romeka and Charlotte Kominsky, leading to the subsequent scandal exposing Deputy Prosecutor Jean-Marie Duval destroyed nearly a hundred clusters in France and freed nearly 500 women from sexual exploitation. Through deep infiltration, Charlotte aided undercover Interpol agent Heather Reed in bringing down Joris, a rogue police officer operating within the ring.

Leadership and Structure

Although the field agents’ names remain mostly classified, here's what we know about the leadership of the unit:

• Sir William Kerr (Director-General, MI6)

• Henri Rousseau (Interpol Liaison Director in London)

• Colin Braithwaite (Head of MI6 Counter-Trafficking Operations)

Taskforce 12 reported directly to Interpol and operated through liaison officers across European capitals. It maintained a secure base in Geneva and several rotating safehouses in Paris, Marseille, and Vilnius. They're based in the Charing Cross Police precinct in Central London.

Legacy

Taskforce 12 is often remembered not only for its success in dismantling several key trafficking hubs but also for its unorthodox collaboration with civilians and victims themselves. The unit’s ability to adapt, use psychological warfare, and rely on manipulation as a tool for justice made it both effective and controversial.