Criminal Investigation Aspects of Human Trafficking in Slovenia: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research

Abstract

Human trafficking includes recruiting, transporting, transferring, and harbouring or receiving persons for exploitation. In this article, the findings of a systematic review of empirical research on human trafficking in Slovenia are presented, and eighteen primarily qualitative studies with purposive sampling are analysed. Prostitution, where the perpetrators cover up their exploitation with legal activities, was the most frequently discussed in the research. Victims of forced labour and labour exploitation are primarily foreign workers who are recruited to Slovenia by fraud, deceit and false promises about working conditions and payment. Victims of forced begging are threatened by perpetrators who use physical force against them. Forced criminality was detected in labour exploitation and prostitution among adult victims and in property crimes and people smuggling among children. In cases of sexual exploitation, children are recruited online and with so-called "loverboys." Forced marriages of children are detected mainly in the Roma community. In illegal adoption of children, international adoptions are at high risk for child trafficking. Cases of trafficking in human organs, tissues, and blood have not yet been detected in Slovenia. Reporting in human trafficking is rare as victims do not recognize or do not want to recognize their victimization, due to fear of the perpetrators or deportation from the country, and because potential witnesses want to remain anonymous. Conventional and covert investigative measures are used during the investigation, and in the prevention of such crimes, it is essential to raise awareness among young people, professionals, and the public.