The suspects are accused of recruiting vulnerable Romanian women and subsequently exploiting them in prostitution, mainly in Amsterdam and its surroundings. The victims are women aged between 21 and 37 years. The criminal organization may have been active for several years, and at least ten women have fallen victim to human trafficking.

Modus operandi

The suspects approach women via social media and build a romantic relationship with them. They present themselves as trustworthy partners and paint a future picture centered around love, safety, and financial stability. Believing they are working together for a better future, the women voluntarily enter prostitution, often at the urging of their partner. Only later does it become clear that these so-called relationships are intended to make the women emotionally and economically dependent. When victims have doubts or want to stop, the suspects sometimes use psychological pressure or physical violence to keep them under control.

The proceeds from sexual exploitation are then laundered. Members of the organization invest the money in luxury goods and real estate in Romania, trying to keep the illegal income out of sight of the authorities.

Action Day

During the action day, multiple searches take place in both Romania and the Netherlands. Authorities seize valuable possessions and interview victims. This includes vehicles, cash, and digital data carriers.

Currently, eight suspects are still in pre-trial detention in the Netherlands. The cooperation between Romanian and Dutch authorities will continue intensively for the time being, as the investigation in both countries is still ongoing.

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. However, more subtle forms of coercion also exist, such as exploiting someones vulnerable position or factual superiority in a dependent situation.

Human trafficking occurs in various forms, including:

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