SEF states that it has started an "operation of random mobile controls at the main crossing points of the land border with Spain, which will take place in the coming weeks", after Europol warned of the possibility of human trafficking taking advantage of the movement caused by the Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

“Surveillance actions will also be carried out throughout the country with the aim of detecting possible crimes of human trafficking and the recruitment of illegal labour, with special emphasis on unaccompanied minors and undocumented women”, SEF adds.

Europol is providing means for data analysis and a secure platform for the exchange of information with operational actors on the ground and with other Member States, SEF also says.

Portugal has so far granted 8,250 requests for temporary protection to people coming from Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion.