Trafficking in human beings

Trafficking in human beings is a multi-billion-dollar form of international organized crime, constituting modern-day slavery.

Victims are recruited and trafficked between countries and regions using deception or coercion. They are stripped of their autonomy, freedom of movement and choice, and face various forms of physical and mental abuse.

There are three main  types of human trafficking:

• Trafficking for forced labour;
• Trafficking for sexual exploitation;
• Trafficking of organs.

Closely connected is the issue of  people smuggling in which smugglers procure, for financial or material gain, the illegal entry of an individual into a country of which he is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident. Generally speaking, once payment is completed, the relationship between the illegal immigrant and the smuggler is terminated.

INTERPOL's response

Trafficking in human beings is a crime under international law and many national and regional legal systems. Given the complexities of the issue, a multitude of strategies are necessary at a range of levels in order to reduce the problem.

•  Operations and projects – concrete action in the field to dismantle human trafficking networks;
•  INTERPOL tools – technical tools and systems for sharing information globally;
•  Partnerships – strengthening our approach by working across sectors;
• Events and conferences – bringing together experts from across the world;

We have collated a number of  resources covering general information, international legislation, and law enforcement guides and manuals.

News & Media releases

19 December 2012

INTERPOL training in Sudan to increase regional efforts against human trafficking and migrant smuggling

22 November 2012

Nearly 400 victims of child trafficking rescued across Burkina Faso in INTERPOL-led operation