The Rotterdam Human Trafficking and People Smuggling Team tracked the suspect down in May this year after conducting checks in several buildings in Rotterdam. Besides in Rotterdam, he was also found to manage properties in Amsterdam and Almere. In these residences, women from mainly Eastern Europe and South America were discovered. They earned money there as sex workers.  In addition to a residence and business premises in Amsterdam, a property in Almere was also searched. No sex workers were found there.

Sex Ads
In many cases, women are lured to the Netherlands with a pretext from abroad. Once here, in some cases, their passport is taken away and they are forced into sex work. Advertisements on sex websites are then made for them. Not only women fall victim in this way, but attention to young boys and she-males seems to be increasing as well. 

Day Against Human Trafficking
On Saturday, October 18, it is the international Day Against Human Trafficking. In the week leading up to it, the police will raise awareness about sexual and criminal exploitation through social media. The arrest of the suspect in Amsterdam shows that sexual exploitation is invisibly present. By raising awareness, we hope to make customers aware and report abuses.

What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is a serious crime and constitutes a gross violation of human dignity. Victims of human trafficking often find themselves in desperate situations from which they can hardly escape. Human trafficking is also referred to as exploitation. We speak of exploitation when someone is forced to perform certain actions from which others benefit.

Coercion can occur in various ways, such as through physical violence or threats. But more subtle forms of coercion also exist, such as taking advantage of someones vulnerable position or of actual dominance in a dependent situation.

Human trafficking occurs in various forms, including:

  • sexual exploitation
  • labor exploitation
  • criminal exploitation
  • forced organ removal

What can you do?
Because human trafficking is a complex and often hidden crime, it is important for the police to receive as many signals of human trafficking as possible. If you, as a parent, caregiver, teacher, friend, or girlfriend have information about possible signs of human trafficking, you can report it as follows:

  • If it is urgent, call 112 immediately
  • Call 0900 - 8844 and ask for the Migration Crime and Human Trafficking Team.
  • Use the online reporting form via the button below
  • Anonymous reporting is also possible, via Report Crime Anonymously