Human Trafficking Relies on Corruption at Every Stage

UNODC says corruption is linked to human trafficking.

In 2011, a trafficker in Chile was convicted of recruiting economically vulnerable Peruvian citizens and arranging for them to be brought into the country, where they were destined to become victims of sexual exploitation. A Chilean police officer stationed at the border collaborated in the scheme, enabling the crime.

Without border guards, public officials and other entities who look the other way in exchange for money or sexual favours — or who are themselves being extorted — human trafficking could not occur on a large scale, according to a new report published on Monday by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The report analyses more than 120 cases involving nearly 80 countries. Based on consultations with policymakers, prosecutors, investigators and independent experts from more than 30 countries, it exposes the “hidden links” between human trafficking and corruption.

Cloak of corruption
Human trafficking includes sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced begging, organ removal and illegal adoption, among other forms of abuse.

The report shows how corruption permeates and facilitates every stage of human trafficking. During recruitment and transport, corrupt officials provide documentation, overlook irregularities and collude with fraudulent recruitment agencies and organised criminal groups.

At border crossings, bribes and documents obtained through corruption allow victims to be moved across jurisdictions. Once exploitation begins, seeking help can become difficult or impossible. Corruption shields operations in industries such as agriculture, construction, fisheries and domestic work, keeping victims trapped in forced labour, sexual exploitation and forced criminality.

Corruption also obstructs anti-trafficking efforts, from police investigations and prosecutions to judicial decisions and victim assistance.

Breaking the cycle
UNODC supports countries in breaking the cycle of corruption and human trafficking by promoting stronger penalties when public officials are involved and by helping establish safe reporting mechanisms for victims.

Other UN agencies are also contributing. Backed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Moldova announced last week that it is strengthening its capacity to identify and prevent cross-border crimes, including human trafficking, through the new headquarters of its Passenger Information Unit (PIU).

The PIU is equipped with advanced UN software that enhances passenger data collection, analysis and rapid response. Moldova is the seventh country to adopt the system, following Norway, Luxembourg, Botswana, Georgia, the Philippines and Mongolia.