Human trafficking in Cyprus: Networks turn to digital methods and applications
Human trafficking networks in Cyprus have changed tactics, now using applications and the internet. The issue was the focus of a seminar held by the Ministry of Justice.
New methods of human trafficking: From sham marriages to digital advertisements
Criminal networks engaged in human trafficking in Cyprus have altered their methods, now turning to the internet and mobile phone applications to avoid detection, according to Philenews. This emerges from information held by the Police and the Office for Combating Human Trafficking.
Previously, networks used women who arrived in Cyprus for sham marriages in exchange for payment, or exploited workers in certain bars. Today, human trafficking is increasingly conducted through digital advertisements and messages on applications.
Women from European countries, who do not require residence or work permits, come to Cyprus and claim to be employed in legitimate sectors. This lawful employment is used as cover, while simultaneously the networks sexually exploit them through advertisements and messages on applications. In other cases, women offer sexual services directly via digital messages, with no intermediary.
This form of exploitation is more difficult to detect. The authorities, however, conduct frequent inspections of bars, clubs and workplaces. Another form of economic exploitation has also been recorded, concerning organised begging involving children.
The number of cases brought to court this year for human trafficking or labour exploitation remains limited. Officials have noted, however, that police operations have contributed to a reduction in related incidents.
Cyprus remains for the fifth consecutive year in the top tier of the State Department's list of countries taking effective measures against human trafficking.
Justice Ministry seminar – Priority placed on strengthening legislation
On the occasion of the Pan-European Day for the Fight Against Human Trafficking, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order organised a seminar at which discussions took place on strengthening legislation, more effective action by the competent services, and timely identification and protection of victims.
Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytirís emphasised that combating human trafficking constitutes a substantive priority for the government. Fytirís addressed modern forms of exploitation – sexual exploitation, forced labour and the exploitation of children – underlining the additional challenges created by criminal networks' use of the internet.
The minister stated that the ministry has proceeded with public consultation of an amending bill for the incorporation of a new European Directive, with the aim of strengthening the legislative framework and better protecting victims. He simultaneously underlined the importance of utilising modern investigative methods, training personnel, and cooperating with European and international authorities.
He made particular reference to the need to identify and deprive criminal networks of the illicit economic benefits they derive. "The true success of our efforts is not measured only by arrests and convictions, but also by our ability to protect people who have suffered exploitation and to give them the opportunity to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity," Fytirís stated.
Police: The person at the centre of action
A message from the Police Chief was read by the Deputy Chief of Operations, Mario Agioti. The Chief emphasised that particular weight is accorded to targeted investigation of cases, the utilisation of information and the development of capacity to identify forms of exploitation that remain concealed.
"The first contact with the Police can be the turning point between the continuation of exploitation and a person's liberation from it," the Chief noted, underlining that the objective remains for each victim to regain freedom, safety and dignity.
Source: Philenews