Objectives

The main objective of the project was to train some 300 EU practitioners (mainly judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, financial and compliance officers and members of civil society/NGOs) in how to effectively counter THB from a perspective that encourages better cooperation between Member States. European legislation, standards and forms of cooperation that are applied in the field of THB were debated and assessed. This was particularly done in relation to intensifying investigations, including intelligence-lead ones, and prosecutions to dismantle the trafficking chain. Moreover, financial investigations into THB and disrupting the business model of criminals were also examined. Prevention initiatives, including reducing the demand for trafficking, was also looked at and placed within the wider context of the culture of impunity that prevails regarding both perpetrators and users. The seminars placed the three main elements of investigations and prosecutions, financial investigations and prevention initiatives and impunity within the greater context of various forms of THB, i.e. sexual exploitation and labour exploitation.

• Presented and analysed measures, tools and methodologies aimed at intensifying
  • investigations, including financial and intelligence-lead investigations
  • prosecutions in the area of THB, ensuring that the knowledge of tools for evidence-gathering for increasing prosecutions and convictions is enhanced amongst practitioners, while reducing reliance on victim’s testimonies.
• Improved cooperation through capacity building, including workshops on setting up joint investigation teams.
• Enhanced cross-border law enforcement and judicial operations, including cross-border cooperation and investigations.
• Assisted in reducing cyber-enabled THB and better use of technology to prevent and combat trafficking.
• Exchanged best practice and expertise regarding prosecutions and convictions in the area of THB, including in view of criminalising the use of services exacted from victims of THB. This took the main identified patterns into account and was tailored to develop skills and knowledge on various forms of exploitation, especially the changing modus operandi when it comes to trafficking, as well as the specific profile of victims, with a focus on vulnerable groups, in particular women and children.
• Increased reach-out via multi-disciplinary training courses on THB, including common events for law enforcement, the judiciary and national competent authorities and civil society.
• Enhanced knowledge and training offered via workshops during each seminar, as well as online training modules.
• Facilitated the involvement of civil society in the prevention of THB by untangling the trafficking chain.