A child placing grenades at doorsteps. A teenager retrieving drugs from a container in the harbor. Or a girl who has new expensive items but is increasingly tense and absent at school. Criminal exploitation is a form of human trafficking where particularly vulnerable youth are used for criminal purposes. This often occurs under coercion, threats, or violence. But who are these youths? Are they perpetrators or victims?
Criminal exploitation is relatively new. Together with the police and the Public Prosecution Service, Amsterdam has strengthened its approach to criminal exploitation. And successfully. Recently, a 22-year-old perpetrator was sentenced to 6 years in prison for criminally exploiting several minor boys in Amsterdam Nieuw-West.
What is it exactly?
Criminal exploitation is inciting someone to commit a crime using power. This can be coercion, but also more subtly: by slowly detaching someone from school, family, or friends. A first task seems harmless, for example, delivering a package. But if things go wrong, and it often does because there is intent involved, the street fine follows. Those who cannot pay can buy their way out with a heavier task. Think of a robbery or placing an explosive. And saying no? That often leads to violence or threats.
Who is vulnerable?
Youths with mild intellectual disabilities, addictions, or mental health issues are easier to pressure. But also children who have difficulties at home or who seek recognition and esteem. It always involves a power imbalance: someone benefits from anothers vulnerability. That advantage does not always have to be financial. Status or influence in a group also counts.
Recognizing signals
At school or in the neighborhood, the first signs can be that youths are truant, react more aggressively, are anxious or withdrawn. Or suddenly walk around in new, expensive clothing. They often see no way out. And yes, sometimes they commit serious offenses. But that does not automatically make them solely perpetrators.
A complex issue
Prosecutors struggle with this: how do you assess someone who commits a serious crime but did so under pressure? Juvenile criminal law mainly focuses on restoration and preventing recidivism. But for vulnerable young adults, that is more complicated. Sentence reduction is sometimes possible, but each case is unique.
Amsterdams approach
Victims of human trafficking often do not seek help, out of fear, shame, or because they do not realize they are victims. In criminal exploitation, that is even harder because they are not only victims but also perpetrators. As a result, they rarely report to the police or assistance services.
To still provide them with the right help and protection, we ensure that professionals in care, safety, and justice have more knowledge and know what they can do. Together with the police, Public Prosecution Service, and care organizations, we have raised awareness of criminal exploitation in recent years through presentations and training and created protocols, roadmaps, and a podcast.
What can you do as a parent or professional?
Do you see signs? You can call the human trafficking care coordinator anonymously 24/7 at 06 105 994 58. The coordinator helps with taking the right follow-up steps, the right care and shelter, engaging a victim lawyer, and contacting the police.
Call and report
Victim of criminal exploitation:
- Human trafficking care coordinator: 06 105 994 58 (available 24/7)
Perpetrators of criminal exploitation:
- Do you know a perpetrator of criminal exploitation and is there immediate danger? Call 112
- Non-urgent reporting: 900-8844. Ask for the human trafficking team.
- You can also report anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem: 0800-7000 or online.
Want to know more?
- Approach to human trafficking
- Tip: Listen to the podcast by Daniël Hofstra on criminal exploitation