The ACT! Intervention Team conducted an inspection focused on illegal prostitution in South Limburg on Thursday, November 20. During this inspection, three women were found in Maastricht who are suspected victims of exploitation.
The large-scale administrative inspection in the Western Mining Region and Maastricht-Heuvelland was supported by the Police, the Military Police, the Immigration Police, Identification and Human Trafficking Department (AVIM), and the Salvation Army. After a regional investigation, inspectors visited three locations in Maastricht. At these locations, foreign women were found working illegally in the prostitution sector.
Exploitation of women
It is suspected that the women were all forced to work under these conditions. The women were immediately offered help by the Salvation Army. One of the women was already known as a victim of human trafficking. The immigration police made two arrests related to violations of the immigration law. The Municipality of Maastricht is also considering administrative measures against the owners of the locations used.
Vulnerability
Coordinator Emmy Mobers of the ACT! Intervention Team: “Women who end up in illegal prostitution often find themselves in extremely vulnerable positions. They are regularly pressured, suffer from fear, are deceived, and have limited opportunities to protect themselves or seek help. These circumstances make them particularly susceptible to human trafficking and other forms of severe exploitation. Our efforts therefore focus not only on enforcement but also explicitly on protection and support for these victims.”
Reporting signals
Do you ever notice something suspicious? It is important to always report signs of illegal prostitution and possible human trafficking. By reporting suspicions, victims can be helped faster and abuses can be addressed. Possible signs include: a noticeable change in appearance and clothing, anxious and submissive behavior, possession of a second phone, avoiding medical help for health problems, or isolation from family and friends. These signs individually may mean nothing but together form a strong indication of exploitation.
ACT! Intervention Team
The ACT! Intervention Team inspects on behalf of Limburg municipalities whether companies comply with laws and regulations and whether there are no undermining or criminal activities. Residents and entrepreneurs can report suspicious signals to the police or Crime Stoppers anonymously via meldmisdaadanoniem.nl or 0800-7000. More information about signs of human trafficking can be found at www.comensha.nl
