Telling Victims from Criminals: Human Trafficking for the Purposes of Criminal Exploitation

Abstract

[Abstract]: Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims has expressly included the exploitation of criminal activities as one of the possible purposes of this crime. Consequently, not only was the concept of human trafficking broadened but also the difficulties in identifying victims, particularly in this type of exploitation in which many trafficked people are actually treated as criminals. This chapter will examine the wide variety of actions that can amount to human trafficking for criminal exploitation, using facts and cases reported by governmental and non-governmental organizations as key documents. These experiences will highlight the challenges of differentiating between criminals and trafficking victims, and will serve as a basis for suggesting some improvements in order to guarantee victims’ protection.