Abstract
While the preponderance of delineation, exploration, and analysis of human trafficking concentrates on the victimization of trafficked people, the offenders’ criminal partaking is often left unexplored. That said, this study aims to examine the conundrum of human trafficking by exploring the traffickers’ demographics, tactics, connections, and collaborations. In order to accomplish this, data are drawn from the content analysis of 102 police interviews (Cyprus Police) with victims of trafficking and the study of police files of 18 persons convicted for human trafficking and sexual exploitation. In short (and contrary to widely held beliefs), the findings point out that human trafficking in Cyprus is not premised on well-established criminal syndicates with deep roots and solid networking, nor is dominated by cruel tactics actuated by meticulous crooks, linked to corrupt officials.
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Notes
Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, OJ L 101/1
Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, A/55/383
Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings, 2005
Cyprus Constitution, CAP 154, Article 188
Ibid., Article 157
Ibid., at 4, Article 164(1)(b)
Ibid., at 4, Articles 156, 164, 165
Prevention and Combating Trafficking and Exploitation of Humans and Protection of Victims Law, L 60(I)/2014
Four cases in 2017, four cases in 2016, six cases in 2015, and eight cases in 2014
A case in point, is the fact that the OoCTHB receives up to 100 pieces of intelligence regarding sexual exploitation or prostitution on an annual basis
Personal experience while working at the OoCTHB between 2013 and 2015
The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, adopted by General Assembly resolution 55/25 of 15 November 2000
Council Framework Decision 2008/841/JHA of 24 October 2008 on the fight against organised crime, OJ L 300
Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, OJ L 101/1
Personal experience while working at the OoCTHB between 2013 and 2015
Interviews with victims may take place up to four times (aprox. 4 h each time) and during this time, law enforcers take down extensive notes on the entire biography and relevant-to-the-crime lived experiences of the trafficked persons in question. Collected data involve the childhood of the victims, their families, education, socio-economic status, lifestyle, social network, etc. Also, interviews include all details regarding the commission of the offense of human trafficking, and details over the actions of perpetrators. That said, interviews are somewhat confined to the facts that prove the elements of the crime(s) under investigation
Interview no. 1–12-14 (OoCTHB)
Interview no. 1–21-11 (OoCTHB)
Interview no. 1–33-13 (OoCTHB)
Interview no. 1–09-14 (OoCTHB)
Interview no. 1–15-13 (OoCTHB)
Interview no. 1–40-14 (OoCTHB)
Interview no. 1–12-12 (OoCTHB)
Personal experience while working at the OoCTHB between 2013 and 2015
Interview no. 1–27-13 (OoCTHB)
Personal experience while working at the OoCTHB between 2013 and 2015
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Constantinou, A.G. The roles and actions of sex traffickers in Cyprus: an overview. Trends Organ Crim 23, 324–349 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12117-019-09369-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12117-019-09369-4