EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 20.10.2020 SWD(2020) 226 final COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Accompanying the document REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND TO THE COUNCIL Third report on the progress made in the fight against trafficking in human beings











(2020) as required under Article 20 of Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and











combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims {COM(2020) 661 final}



Contents 1.INTRODUCTION 1.1.Methodology and Information Sources 1.2.Member States and National Rapporteurs or Equivalent Mechanisms (NREMs) 1.3.EU Civil Society Platform and e-Platform against Trafficking in Human Beings 1.4.EU Agencies 1.5.Other sources 1.6.Statistics from the Member States 2.THE TRAFFICKING PHENOMENON 3.KEY PATTERNS OF TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS AND RESPONSES TO ADDRESS THEM 3.1.Covid -19 3.2.Statistics, Patterns and Actions Taken –Overview 3.2.1.Statistical Data for 2017-2018 3.2.2.Addressing All Forms of Exploitation 3.3.Trafficking for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation 3.4.Trafficking for the Purpose of Labour Exploitation 3.5.Other Forms of Exploitation 3.5.1.Trafficking for forced criminality and forced begging

3.5.2.Trafficking for Forced and Exploitative Sham Marriages 3.5.3.Additional Examples of Other Forms of Exploitation 3.6.Child Trafficking 3.7.Emerging Concerns on Trafficking in Human Beings and Persisting Vulnerabilities 3.7.1.Multiple Forms of Exploitation 3.7.2.Internal trafficking 3.7.3.Roma Victims and Their Vulnerability to Trafficking 3.7.4.Vulnerability of Migrant and Refugee Women to Trafficking 3.7.5.Vulnerability of Unaccompanied Children to Trafficking 3.8.Trafficking in Human Beings in the Context of International Migration 4.TRAFFICKERS AND THEIR MODUS OPERANDI 4.1.Organised Crime Groups (OCG) 4.2.Poly-Criminality, Links with Other Crimes 4.3.The Use of Information and Communication Technologies 5.PREVENTING TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS BY COUNTERING THE CULTURE OF IMPUNITY 5.1.Encouraging the Criminalisation of the Use of Services Provided by the Victims 5.2.Businesses and Legal Persons: Responsibility and Due Diligence Against the Trafficking Chain 5.3.Increasing Accountability and Results Through Effective Investigations and Prosecutions 5.3.1.Special Investigative Techniques and Specific Competences 5.3.2.Financial investigations

5.3.3.Freezing, Seizing and Confiscation of Proceeds of Crime 5.3.4.Cross Border Cooperation 5.3.5.Joint Actions, Joint Investigations 5.3.6.Use of Large Scale Databases to Detect Victims and Perpetrators 5.3.7.Awareness Raising and Training 6.ACCESS TO AND REALISATION OF RIGHTS of VICTIMS 6.1.Identification of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings to Enable Accessing Their Rights 6.1.1.National and Transnational Referral Mechanisms (NRMs and TRMs) 6.2.Assistance, Support and Protection of Victims of Trafficking 7.INTENSIFY A COORDINATED AND CONSOLIDATED RESPONSE 7.1.The External Dimension 8.IMPLEMENTATION OF EU LAW 9.FUNDING 10.Annex: List of Referenced Documents

1.INTRODUCTION This staff working document complements the Commission third report on the progress made in the fight against trafficking in human beings as required under article 20 of Directive 2011/36/EU (‘Anti-trafficking Directive’) on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims (hereafter ‘the Progress report’). It provides a factual overview of the progress made in addressing trafficking in human beings in the EU, including statistical data and actions taken since the last progress report. This staff working document also provides detailed information on emerging patterns, identified concerns, specific anti-trafficking actions, funding, implementation of the 2017 Communication, brief analysis of statistical data provided by the Member States and describes the methodology and information sources used. The document takes into consideration actions implemented by the Commission and other relevant stakeholders with respect to the 2017 Commission Communication ‘Reporting on the follow-up to the EU Strategy towards the eradication of trafficking in human beings and identifying further concrete actions’ (hereafter “the 2017 Communication”). The 2017 Communication set out the following targeted priorities: (i) disrupting the traffickers’ business model and untangling the trafficking chain, (ii) providing better access to and realising the rights for victims and (iii) intensifying a coordinated and consolidated response, both within and outside the EU as well as two cross-cutting priorities: (iv) actions for a sound knowledge base and (v) actions to support anti-trafficking priorities in EU and non-EU countries. 1.1. Methodology and Information Sources

The period of reporting and assessment concerned is 2017-2019. However, statistical data collected for the purpose of this report covers the period 2017-2018. The Progress report and this accompanying staff working document are based on a wide range of information sources, including: -information provided by the national rapporteurs or equivalent mechanisms (NREMs) to the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator (EU ATC) pursuant to Article 19 and 20 of the Anti-Trafficking Directive; -contributions submitted by civil society organisations participating in the EU Civil Society Platform and the e-Platform against Trafficking in Human Beings; -actions taken by the Commission and other stakeholders following the 2017 Communication; -information from the ten EU agencies who signed the 2018 Joint statement of commitment to working together to address trafficking in human beings; -publications of international and regional organisations; -documents from the European Parliament and the Council; -statistical data on trafficking in human beings from national statistical authorities in the Member States. The data collection was carried out as a coordinated effort between national rapporteurs and equivalent mechanism and the European Commission. 1.2. Member States and National Rapporteurs or Equivalent Mechanisms (NREMs) The Anti-Trafficking Directive foresees that the tasks of the NREMs should at least include ‘the carrying out of assessments of trends in trafficking in human beings, the measuring of results of anti-trafficking actions, including gathering of statistics in close cooperation with relevant civil society organisations active in this field, and reporting" (Article 19). The Anti-Trafficking Directive further stipulates in Article 20 that ‘Member States shall transmit to the ATC the information referred to in Article 19, on the basis of which the ATC shall contribute to reporting carried out by the Commission every two years on the progress made in the fight against trafficking in human beings’. The methodology used in the third progress report follows the approach taken for the first (2016) and second (2018) progress reports of the Commission and builds on that previous experience. The Commission provided the EU Network of NREMs on trafficking in human beings with a guiding document with questions to facilitate reporting and to ensure a coordinated approach at the EU level. National rapporteurs and equivalent mechanisms were requested to report on achievements, results and impact of anti-trafficking actions carried out and to provide an assessment of key trends in trafficking in human beings and identified concerns that need to be addressed. They were asked to report on how they have addressed at the national level the recommendations made in Second Progress Report. -. The information provided by the NREMs is extensive and includes reporting on identified new patterns and trends in trafficking in human beings, national policy and legislative developments, strategic and operational actions, and relevant funding. Examples of national measures and actions are presented throughout this document in order to complement the analysis. 1.3. EU Civil Society Platform and e-Platform against Trafficking in Human Beings The progress report and staff working document take into consideration contributions submitted by civil society organisations participating in the EU Civil Society Platform against trafficking in human beings (hereafter ‘the Platform’) and the complementary e-Platform. As per the process followed for the first (2016) and second (2018) progress reports, the contributions of those Member States which agreed to do so was shared with civil society organisations participating in the EU Civil Society e-Platform for their comments and contributions. This concerned 25 Member States’ reports. Further, the contributions of those nine civil society organisations, which agreed to do so, were shared via the ePlatform of the EU network of National Rapporteurs and Equivalent Mechanisms. This process implements in a tangible way the requirement for close cooperation between the Member States and civil society organisations set forth in Article 20 of the Anti-trafficking Directive. The Directive further recognises the key role of civil society in the joint efforts to address trafficking in human beings. Civil Society Contribution to the Report Civil society provided 29 contributions (single and joint) to the third progress report, involving 63 civil society organisations participating in the Platform and in the e-Platform. The contributing civil society organisations are based in 14 Member States (AT, BE, DE, ES, FR, HR, IT, IE, LV, MT, NL, PT, SE, UK) and include European and international offices. 1.4.EU Agencies On 13th June 2018, the Heads of ten EU Agencies signed a Joint Statement of Commitment to working together to address trafficking in human beings. The signatory agencies comprised the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol), European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA), European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound). The 2018 Joint Statement builds on the work and synergies created with the first Joint statement signed by the heads of seven Justice and Home Affaires Agencies in 2011. The Commission requested contributions to the third progress report from the ten EU agencies in line with the commitments undertaken to address trafficking in human beings and in the framework of their respective mandate and work carried out under the EU legal and policy framework on trafficking in human beings.

1.5.Other sources Other information sources used in the progress report include strategic documents from the European Parliament, the Council and international and regional organisations. Cooperation with strategic partners at international level and enabling policy coherence is ensured via multilateral processes, including in relation to the United Nations (UN) Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish trafficking in human beings , especially women and children, supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The coordination work has also involved policy exchanges with the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT). The Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention, carries out country visits, evaluations of legislative and other measures taken by Parties to the Convention and publishes general activity reports. References to relevant documents and actions from these organisations are made throughout this document, in a context of continued cooperation with strategic partners. 1.6.Statistics from the Member States The Commission conducted the fifth EU-wide data collection to gather statistics on trafficking in human beings for the period 2017-2018 from the Member States. The study on data collection on trafficking in human beings in the EU, accompanying this progress report, provides in-depth analysis of criminal justice statistical data for years 2017 and 2018. This data collection has been carried out in a continued effort from the Commission and the Member States to provide evidence on the criminal phenomenon and on its victims. The data indicators and disaggregation used in the study follow previous approach to EU-wide data collection on trafficking in human beings, with some updates. Previous data collections were presented in two working papers published by Eurostat in 2013 and 2014 and updated in 2015; and the Commission first and second progress reports, respectively for the years 2013-2014 and 2015-2016. With this latest data collection, EU-wide statistics on trafficking in human beings are available for a period of ten years– from 2008 until 2018 included. For the purpose of the fifth EU-wide data collection, the Commission requested data, through Eurostat, from all EU Member States via the national statistical authorities. The European Commission ensured a coordinated approach to the data collection, involving the National rapporteurs and/or Equivalent Mechanisms. Eurostat facilitated the exchanges with Member States statistical authorities for clarifications on the reported data, made relevant technical adjustments, processed and managed data and computed the quantitative analysis. 2.THE TRAFFICKING PHENOMENON Protecting Europeans from organised crime, and in particular tackling the trafficking in human beings, is a priority under the new EU Security Union Strategy . Trafficking in human beings is a grave violation of fundamental rights and a particularly serious crime, driven by profits and involving a chain of actors. The Commission highlighted in the second progress report that trafficking in human beings “brings high profits to the perpetrators, who abuse people’s vulnerabilities and exploit the demand for the services provided by the victims. It results in long-term harm to its victims, our societies and economies.” “The complex interplay of supply and demand amongst perpetrators, abusers, profit-takers, exploiters and users creates a long chain of actors, whether they are knowingly or unknowingly involved.” The second progress report also referred to Frontex Risk Analysis 2018 highlighting that trafficking in human beings is one of the most profitable forms of organised crime, generating billions of euros for traffickers. “Europe, which comprises some of the wealthiest nations in the world, has long been an important market for the exploitation of victims, particularly through sexual exploitation, forced labour, exploitation of criminal activities, begging and illegal adoption. The high levels of supplying origin countries, coupled with the demand for cheap labour and sexual services in the destination countries, are among the most common root causes of human trafficking”. Europol refers to estimates on global annual profit from trafficking in human beings amounting to EUR 29.4 billion. In its 2017 Communication, the Commission identified “disrupting the business model and untangling the trafficking chain” as a key EU priority, noting that “profits on lawful and illicit markets and demand for the services and goods provided by victims of trafficking in human beings remain high wherever a culture of impunity for both perpetrators and users prevails.” As a key action of the 2017 Commission Communication, the Study on the economic, social and human costs of trafficking in human beings has been carried out. The study provides annual estimate on the cost of trafficking in human beings based on a thorough methodology developed by academics. The total cost of trafficking in human beings for the EU-28 in 2016 is estimated at EUR 3.7 billion (EUR 3 700 524 432) (EUR 2.7 billion or 2 708 804 838 for EU-27). The cost of trafficking over the lifetime of one victim is estimated at EUR 312 756 in the EU-28 (EUR 337 463 in EU27). These are costs triggered by the serious violation of fundamental rights of women, men, girls and boys by traffickers. These costs continue to be borne by our societies as the trafficking crime persists. This is a conservative estimate based on the number of victims registered with the authorities in Member States in 2016. The estimate would have been higher if victims not registered with the authorities had been included in the methodology and if robust data were available on some of the harms caused. Three main types of costs of trafficking in human beings are considered in the study: use of services (coordination and prevention, specialised services, law enforcement, health services and social protection), lost economic output and lost quality of life. The effects of trafficking on victims have significant duration. The cost of trafficking is spread across the different phases of trafficking: in trafficking, in services and post-trafficking. Health services and social protection: Victims of trafficking were more likely to use health services and social protection than other people, because of the long-term damage to their physical and mental health while in trafficking. These hurts and increased use of these services last for several years after trafficking is over. Lost economic output: Economic output is lost when the victim is not participating in the legal economy while in trafficking and in services, and when the victim has reduced participation post-trafficking as a consequence of the long-term harms to health. Lost quality of life: Victims of trafficking are subject to physical, sexual and mental injuries that reduce the quality of life. A value is placed on these losses in the quality of life. Victims of sexual exploitation: ØThere are higher costs for victims of sexual exploitation. This is largely driven by the larger costs to health associated with sexual violence (rather than physical violence or threat). ØThere are higher costs for female rather than male victims: oThis is driven by the larger costs associated with sexual exploitation, which is disproportionately experienced by women. oThe larger costs associated with sexual exploitation are linked to greater utilisation of health services and social protection, greater lost economic output and greater lost quality of life. ØThere are higher costs for child rather than adult victims due to greater utilisation of health services and greater lost quality of life. 3.KEY PATTERNS OF TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS AND RESPONSES TO ADDRESS THEM 3.1. Covid -19 Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on trafficking in human beings Criminals have seized the opportunities during the Covid-19 pandemic to generate significant profits and intensify certain types of criminal activity. Although the full impact of the pandemic is not yet apparent, concerns have emerged regarding the possible short and long-term impact of the crisis on victims of trafficking and with regard to changing modus operandi of criminals. The United Nations Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) has voiced concerns in particular with regard to the risks of hindered access to services and support for victims of trafficking, delay in the identification of victims, access to justice and return of victims of trafficking to their countries of origin, exacerbating risks for vulnerable groups of individuals, including women and girls, increasing prevalence of sexual exploitation online and use of technology to facilitate criminal conduct. Civil society organisations have warned about a range of issues exacerbating the risks of trafficking in human beings, such as denied access to shelters to victims of trafficking because of the pandemic, fewer referrals and increased marginalisation of vulnerable groups to trafficking, such as undocumented migrants and marginalised Roma communities, the disproportionate impact of the crisis on women and girls, the increase in demand for pornography on the Internet and online sexual exploitation, especially of children. Trafficking in human beings is likely to increase in the wake of the economic downturn and unemployment triggered in the aftermath of the pandemic. Europol had already warned in April 2020 that if the Covid-19 pandemic was followed by an economic recession, there would be visible consequences in the criminal landscape of trafficking in human beings, including a potential increase in the demand for labour and sexual exploitation. It further noted that besides traditional fields of exploitation (prostitution, begging and theft, textile and agricultural sectors), sectors such as construction, tourism, catering, nursing and domestic services are increasingly affected by trafficking in human beings. In addition to the prolonged harm suffered by victims of trafficking, the closure of businesses with lower profit margins due to an economic crisis will leave the market open to those with illegal or cheap labour at their disposal. Against the backdrop of a global crisis, stronger political will be needed to implement the legal requirements with regard to identification, assistance, support and protection of victims of trafficking in human beings, and for an adequate criminal justice response to the crime to establish criminal responsibility and to deprive criminals from their profit. 3.2. Statistics, Patterns and Actions Taken –Overview

3.2.1.Statistical Data for 2017-2018 Data was collected for 2017-2018 from the 28 EU Member States on the number of registered (presumed and identified) victims of trafficking in human beings and on the number of traffickers who were suspected, prosecuted or convicted, taking into account their gender, age, nationality and the forms of exploitation. Data was also requested with regard to national provisions criminalising the use of services exacted from victims, in particular as to suspects, prosecutions and convictions and additional breakdown by sex and age. The data for 2017-2018 show similar patterns to the earlier data collection with regard to registered victims, suspects and traffickers. This data collection re-confirmed that there are substantial differences in the way that Member States record and collect data. Further efforts across the EU are needed to ensure quality and comparability of data on trafficking in human beings. Victims in 2017 and 2018 in the EU: ·26 268 victims of trafficking were registered in the EU-28 (14 145 for the EU 27). There are reasons to believe that the actual number of victims of trafficking is significantly higher and many victims remain undetected and thus not included in these figures reported here. ·Over half (60%) of the registered victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation in the EU 27. Including the data from the United Kingdom (UK) changes this picture: nearly half (46%) of all registered victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation. Fifteen percent (15%) of registered victims in the EU27 were trafficking for labour exploitation. Including the data from the UK changes the picture as nearly a quarter (22%) of registered victims were trafficking for labour exploitation. The majority of the registered victims trafficked for labour exploitation within the EU are found in the United Kingdom (64%). Other forms of exploitation, such as exploitation of criminal activities, forced begging, domestic servitude, removal of organs, benefit fraud and others, formed the remaining part (18% in the EU 27 and 24% in the EU 28). ·Nearly three quarters (72%) of all registered victims were female (women and girls) and close to one quarter (23%) were male in the EU27. Including UK data, 58 % of all registered victims were female, whereas 39% were male. ·Children accounted for nearly a quarter (22%) of all registered victims in the EU 27. Including the United Kingdom data, the share of children among all victims raises to nearly one-third (32%) as the majority of child victims are registered in the United Kingdom (63%). In EU28, of all child victims of trafficking, 57% are EU citizens (out of which 49% trafficked in their own country) and 41% of trafficked children are non-EU national. ·Trafficking within the EU: EU citizens accounted for nearly half (49%) of all registered victims in the EU27. Including the United Kingdom data, the share of EU citizens was equal to 41%. ·Internal trafficking within one’s own country: 27% of registered victims of trafficking were citizens of the reporting country in the EU28. ·The top five EU countries of citizenship of registered victims in the EU28 by absolute numbers were Romania, the United Kingdom, Hungary, France and Poland. The top five EU countries of citizenship of registered victims in proportion to the size of their population were Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Latvia and Lithuania. ·The top five non-EU countries of citizenship of registered victims in EU28 were Nigeria, Albania, Vietnam, China and Sudan. The first four countries were among the top non-EU countries of citizenship of registered victims in the previous reporting period. Traffickers (suspected individuals, prosecutions and convictions) in 2017-2018 in the EU: ·There were 11 814 persons in formal contact with police and criminal justice systems as suspects, 6 404 prosecutions and 2 483 convictions for trafficking in human beings offences were reported in 2017-2018 in the EU28. ·The majority of traffickers were EU citizens: 68% of the suspects, 56% of those prosecuted and 72% of those convicted for trafficking in human beings. ·Traffickers for sexual exploitation: The majority of all traffickers registered in the EU concerned trafficking for sexual exploitation: 77% of the suspects, 58% of the prosecuted and 54% of the convicted persons. Less than one-fifth of all traffickers registered in the EU concerned labour exploitation: 13% of the suspects, 19% of the prosecuted and 16% of the convicted. ·Nearly three-quarters of the traffickers registered in the EU were male: 73% of the suspects, 69% of the prosecuted and 74% of the convicted. The vast majority of all registered traffickers consisted of adults (91% of the suspects, 87% of the prosecuted and 93% of the convicted). ·The more than two thirds of the suspects (68%) were male, 28% were female Similarly, 68% of the prosecuted individuals were male and 24% female. Of those convicted 67% were male, 24% female. ·Traffickers for labour exploitation: Three-quarters (76%) of the suspects were male and 23% female. Of those prosecuted, 76% were male and 20% were female. Of those convicted, 77% were male and 12% were female. Statistics reported under national provisions for criminalizing the use of services exacted from victims of trafficking in human beings: ·A total of 170 suspects, 162 prosecutions and 133 convictions were reported within the EU in 11 Member States.

3.2.2.Addressing All Forms of Exploitation The Anti-Trafficking Directive contains minimum rules concerning the definition of the criminal offences, including a non-exhaustive list of forms of exploitation: prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, including begging, slavery and similar practices, the exploitation of criminal activities and the removal of organs. Trafficking for other forms of exploitation can take place and a number of Member States have penalised additional forms of exploitation in their criminal law since the adoption of the Anti-Trafficking Directive, including trafficking for forced marriage, pornography or extraction of human organs. Trafficking in human beings remains a priority crime area in the EU Policy cycle for organised and serious international crime for 2018-2021 with the objective “to fight against the trafficking in human beings in the EU for all forms of exploitation, including sexual and labour exploitation as well as all forms of child trafficking”. The Anti-Trafficking Directive applies equally to all victims of trafficking in human beings and requires attending to their specific needs. The Second progress report (2018) identified the need to intensify actions, including information and awareness-raising campaigns, to address all forms of exploitation. Member States have undertaken efforts in this respect during the reporting period. These include, in particular, the adoption of new National Action Plans or National Strategies (e.g. BG, CY, DK, FR, HR, HU, LT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK) or revising or drafting such documents (e.g. LU, LV and ES). Several Member States specifically highlight the role of national bodies dedicated to the fight against trafficking in human beings in monitoring the implementation of the plans or strategies and coordinating anti-trafficking action (e.g. MT, RO). Member States have also carried out efforts in order to setup new monitoring bodies or units specialised in the fight against trafficking in human beings (e.g. DE, FI, LT, IE, SI). Further, Lithuania reports on the appointment of a National Rapporteur, and Ireland is under the process of designating the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission as the independent National Rapporteur. Member States highlight the existence of synergies between the policy framework against trafficking in human beings and public policies adopted at the national level in related areas, such as organised crime, security, business and human rights, fight against violence against women and children, asylum or illegal work (e.g. BE, ES, FR). Participation in the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) is also mentioned by several Member States as part of the efforts to address trafficking for all forms of exploitation (e.g. CY, DE, LU). Member States also referred to certain legislative measures of comprehensive nature. However, civil society organisations expressed concern that some forms of trafficking are less in the focus of action than others, such as trafficking for forced marriage and exploitation in the context of the domicile. They stress the need for Member States to adopt comprehensive national strategies addressing trafficking in human beings for all forms of exploitation, as well as to set up independent national rapporteurs and political coordinating bodies. 3.3. Trafficking for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation Trafficking in human beings is a form of violence against women. The Anti-Trafficking Directive establishes common minimum rules on preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims. Women and children are particularly vulnerable group for trafficking in human beings, which highlights the gender aspect of the crime. Out of the three sustainable development goals of the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development addressing trafficking, two pay particular attention to women and children Regarding the impact beyond Covid-19, Europol warns about a possible increase in intra-EU trafficking in human beings and in the demand for sexual exploitation. Trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation continues to be consistently the most reported form in the EU-27, with 60% of all registered victims. Women and girls remain the majority of victims of trafficking for all forms of exploitation as they represent 72% of all EU-27 victims. Over half of the registered victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation in the EU 27 were EU citizens (54%) and 42% were non-EU citizens. The EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 highlights that women and girls form the vast majority of victims of trafficking in human being and are mostly trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation. The EU addresses trafficking in human beings comprehensively through coordination in all relevant areas. Countering impunity of users, exploiters and profit-makers is a priority. The concerns of women and girls affected by trafficking have to be at the centre of policy development. As announced in the Strategy, EU’s accession to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence remains a key priority for the Commission. The Commission also intends to issue a legislative proposal to prevent and combat specific forms of gender-based violence. The legislative initiative will have the same objective as the Convention: ensuring that EU Member States have effective measures in place (in areas of EU competence) to prevent and combat violence against women. Many Member States noted that sexual exploitation remains the most reported form of trafficking (e.g. AT, BE, CY, EE, DK, DE, EL, HU, NL, RO, SK, ES). This finding is also underlined in civil society submissions. Eurojust highlights that the majority of trafficking in human beings cases in the EU involve sexual exploitation. Further, Europol found that sexual exploitation is the most reported practice of trafficking in human beings in the EU and the majority of the victims are EU nationals from Eastern and Central Europe, while non-EU victims are mainly from Nigeria, where organised crime groups (OCGs) continue to considerably influence EU organised crime. Frontex reports that the main change observed at the external borders is that the number of arriving Nigerian women has decreased considerably and has been on a downward trend (at least since the beginning of data collection on gender in 2018). While not all women would be victims of trafficking in human beings, the past years have shown how they are transported among the flow of irregular migrants crossing, to a large extent, the Central Mediterranean. In the period 2018-2019, the number of arriving Nigerian women has remained low, which indicates a possible change in modus operandi of the criminal networks. The definition of trafficking in human beings under the Anti-trafficking Directive includes among the offences the exploitation of the prostitution of others and other forms of sexual exploitation. The sex industry and prostitution are high-risk sectors for trafficking for sexual exploitation . Member States have different approaches and legislation on prostitution. EU law provides for minimum common rules for Member States to address the criminal offence of trafficking in human beings. For the reporting period, several Member States highlighted legislation addressing the links between trafficking for sexual exploitation and prostitution. Latvia reports on a draft law, which aims at reducing prostitution. In the Netherlands and Germany, legislative developments focus on regulating the prostitution sector. Member States referred to high-risk environments, such as street prostitution (e.g. HU, AT, FR), red light districts (e.g. DE) prostitution in private flats and homes (e.g. AT, SI, ES, CY, DK, HU), hotel rooms (e.g. SI, DK) or other kind of rented apartments, escort agencies and services (e.g. DK, RO, HU, AT, FR), walk-in brothels (e.g. AT), massage services (e.g. SI, RO, CY, HU), and bars and nightclubs (e.g. CY, BG, SI, ES, HU). Europol refers to prostitution as a traditional field of exploitation for trafficking in human beings. Some Member States (e.g. BE, SI, ES) and civil society organisations report on a decrease in street prostitution. Denmark notes that efforts from the police could have led to a change in the modus operandi of the traffickers, resulting in fewer women of non-EU citizenship being forced to prostitute in the streets. Civil society reports a rise in trafficking for sexual exploitation through websites and online escort services, which is paired with a decrease in street prostitution and brothels. Civil society stresses the need to also focus on trafficking for sexual exploitation in other sectors than prostitution, such as pornography, non-commercial sexual exploitation for the benefit of the traffickers or forced marriage. Member States acknowledge a common change in modus operandi, characterised by a rapid development of the Internet and new means of communication being deployed in many stages of the trafficking chain (e.g. DK, RO, SI, SP, FR, BG, CY, DE, LT, PT, GR, SE, AT, SP). This includes the recruitment of victims, with the use of social media as common means for recruitment; the transport of victims, notably through the purchase of flight or train tickets online; the organisation of accommodation; the communication and organisation between perpetrators via open-source messaging and messenger tools, and the communication with victims through the same means; the use of threats to victims with the publication of nude images online; the advertising of victims online or on social media and online chats; the monitoring of victims through online video surveillance and through mobile phone location services; and the transfer of profits by virtual payment methods. Civil society organisations mention internet as a growing risk for trafficking in human beings, particularly for sexual exploitation for profit. The risks lie in the fact that the internet provides a less visible environment, which allows for a less visible recruitment of victims, and a less-visible marketplace which connects users to services and provides an opportunity to target children. Some Member States reported on male victims (e.g. PL, GR, SE). For example, Greece informed that two thirds of minors who are trafficked there are boys and they are mainly exploited for sexual services and for criminal activities. Sweden has reported an increase in sugar dating, which involves older men approach and grooming both girls and boys under 18 years of age for the purpose of sexual exploitation and the production/distribution of child sexual abuse images. Civil society raises the issue of cases of men and boys being trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation being often under-represented or unnoticed. Limited information is provided with regard to trans-gender victims of trafficking. Some Member States (e.g. SE, DK, AT) refer to cases of transgender victims being trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation, including in the prostitution sector.

Member States report on vulnerability factors that perpetrators take advantage of, including socio-economic factors, such as poor education (e.g. RO, LT, PL, EL, CZ, BG), difficult financial circumstances (e.g. PL, EL, BG) and the promise to provide the victim with a very well-paid job (e.g. EL), or deception regarding the details of the job, as well as mental disabilities. Regarding the age of the victims, a significant number of children, boys and girls, continue to be trafficked for sexual purposes (e.g. BE, LV, NL, SE, RO). Romania reports that in recent years, an increasing number of victims, mostly girl victims of trafficking, has been exploited through pornographic representations. Similarly, civil society reported the presence of children amongst victims of trafficking for sexual purposes, as well as children being groomed. In some cases, they specifically refer to the use of online chat rooms for recruiting. Member States reported that traffickers tend to be from the same country as the victims (e.g. PT), and younger than in other forms of exploitation (e.g. SK, NL). Perpetrators are predominantly men, but there is a growing presence of female traffickers (e.g. LT, EL). Member States continue to report that female perpetrators are increasingly involved in this criminal activity (e.g. LT, EL) and civil society highlight that women play a fundamental role in trafficking and in particular with regard to children. The vast majority of Member States report on specific measures taken in order to address key patterns and emerging trends in relation to trafficking for sexual exploitation. However, civil society organisations continue to highlight insufficient focus on trafficking for sexual exploitation in the EU, including when it comes to investigations, and as to the gender dimension of the crime. An addition to assisting, supporting and protecting victims, specific measures addressing trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation, especially concerning women and girls, have been taken, including in high-risk sectors, such as prostitution. Member States report on operational activities, such as criminal investigations, covert surveillance, internet surveillance on trafficking for sexual exploitation (e.g. BG, DE, FI, PT, UK) police assessment and monitoring of high-risk sectors, awareness raising campaigns in high-risk sectors (e.g. PT, BG), e-learning course aimed at diplomatic officials (e.g. SE) as well as institutional and policy developments, such as the setting-up of working group or committee (e.g. AT, LU). Some Member States highlighted EU-level cross-border cooperation and international cooperation, especially within the framework of, or in cooperation with, Europol, in order to address trafficking for sexual exploitation (e.g. AT, BG, PT). Further educational and training-related measures addressing trafficking for sexual exploitation are reported by Member States (e.g. LT, LV, RO, SI), including targeting high-risk sectors and high-risk groups, such as marginalised Roma communities (forced marriages) or migrants and refugees. Measures addressing child trafficking for sexual exploitation at the national level include national action plans, investigations, publication and translation of guideline on the use of a child-sensitive language, and targeted training for professionals likely to come into contact with child victims of trafficking. Large prostitution ring dismantled in France, Bulgaria and Germany with Eurojust support On 3 July 2018, a joint action day in France, Bulgaria and Germany resulted in searches for more than 20 locations and arrests of 10 pimps, who have been operating since 2015, promising young Bulgarian women employment in France. The women were transported first to Germany and then to Strasbourg and Annecy, where they were forced into prostitution. The women were compelled to give their earning to the pimps who kept women under close watch. The joint action day was carried out by authorities from JIRS Nancy, the Bulgarian Prosecutor General and the Prosecutor’s Office of Oryahovo. The pimps were arrested in France, Bulgaria and Germany, charged with pimping, trafficking in human beings, organised crime and money laundering. At the time of the arrests, several women were put in contact with support groups and organisations to help them return safely to their country. Several Member States report on measures focusing on demand reduction for sexual exploitation, such as adoption of new legislation (e.g. CY, LU, IE), amendments to criminal law codes (e.g. EE, EL) or ongoing gender-specific review of relevant national law (e.g. EL, IE). In Ireland, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 addresses the demand for commercial sex. In 2019, the Department of Justice and Equality and other State agencies worked in partnership with civil society with a view to developing awareness around the new legislation. A key objective of Part 4 of the Act is to reduce demand for sexual services. It provides for two new offences of paying for sexual activity with a prostitute and paying for sexual activity with a trafficked person, with this latter offence carrying a penalty of up to 5 years’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. The Act also removes those who offer their services as a prostitute from the existing offences of soliciting for the purpose of prostitution. A number of files have been initiated resulting in a well-publicised first conviction for the purchase of sex in 2019. Some Member States also mentioned prevention measures aimed at reducing the demand for services of the victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation, including training and awareness raising (i.e. IE, IT, SL) or education initiatives in other relevant areas, e.g. human rights, reproductive health and sexual education (e.g. EL, LT). Sweden refers to the work of the three large municipal services for victims of prostitution and trafficking in human beings for sexual and other purposes. They also operate separate support services for men, who purchase, men who have purchased sexual services in the past, and for potential prostitution users. Operational measures in cooperation with civil society in Ireland Operation Quest is an operation undertaken by the Garda National Protective Service Bureau relating to organised prostitution, which provides related training and awareness and liaises with NGOs, with a view to ensuring the detection of sexual exploitation of trafficked persons and the undertaking of associated investigations. Personnel assigned to Operation Quest are pro-active in the on-line monitoring of internet websites associated with prostitution and liaise with both Government and Non-Government organisations working in this area. The relevant personnel regularly carry out safeguarding checks with regard to the sex trade, which assists in identifying potential victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. These safeguarding checks also assist personnel assigned to Operation Quest in monitoring the welfare of persons engaged in the sex trade and to inform them of the services of relevant NGOs. Efforts aimed at improving the identification of victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation were further reported by Member States, such as targeting law enforcement authorities (e.g. EL) and targeted trainings for investigations by specialised services and in cooperation with associations working with prostituted persons, amongst others (e.g. FR). The Netherlands reports on measures aimed at improving the identification of child victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation, especially in relation to the identification of minors exploited by “lover boys”, as well as male victims of sexual exploitation. The absence of specific measures addressing trafficking in men for the purpose of sexual exploitation, as well as other forms of exploitation, such as with respect to access to housing facilities, and psychological or legal assistance, is identified as a challenge by some civil society organisations. Finland reports on improvements in local cooperation when it comes to identifying and referring victims of sexual exploitation, as well as in assistance services. However, challenges related to the identification of victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation who reside in Finland and providing assistance comprehensive enough for victims of sexual exploitation, such as trauma-oriented therapy, remain. This concern is reiterated by the civil society, including regarding other Member States, which outlines the need to provide specialised training to professionals involved in the identification process, and to ensure a multi-disciplinary cooperation to ensure that victims receive adequate gender and trauma-sensitive counselling. Further measures aimed at providing social support to victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation, such as exit programmes aimed at persons in prostitution (e.g. FR, IE, MT), social and professional reintegration of victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation (e.g. ES, FR), provision of sexual health services to women affected by prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation, fostering the involvement of professionals from different areas in the early identification of potential victims or ensuring immediate access to rights and assistance when there are reasons to believe that the person is a victim of trafficking in human beings. Spain highlights some challenges with respect to addressing trafficking for sexual exploitation, including the lack of adaptation of these measures to victims with specific vulnerabilities, such as children or women with disabilities, as well as in terms of detection and assistance by the different professionals involved, resulting in the lack of support adapted to the specific circumstances of the victims. Spain further emphasises that future measures need to be considered under a common strategy in order to improve identification of victims and demand prevention. Trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation is violence against women and deeply rooted in gender inequalities. Member States report on measures addressing trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation in the framework of Violence against Women and Gender-Based Violence (e.g. EL, FI, SE). For instance, violence against women and girls is not sufficiently taken into account violence against women. They raise the alarm that the lack of gender-specific measures in anti-trafficking actions is perceivable when it comes to the need for gender-specific services, identification of exploitation e.g. in close or intimate relationships and in the small number of identified victims of sexual exploitation who have fallen victims of human trafficking. The asylum proceedings were in particular referred to in this context. Malta reports on training and awareness-raising measures targeting professionals (e.g. in law enforcement and education), including in relation to other forms of gender-based violence (e.g. sexual health and female genital mutilation). The Swedish government has assigned the Gender Equality Agency to enhance efforts within the framework of the National Strategy to Prevent and Combat Men’s Violence against Women, including prostitution and trafficking in human beings for sexual purposes. The assignment includes mapping of research on violence prevention, and to identify gaps in research and knowledge. Political and legislative developments on gender-based violence are ongoing in Spain, with a focus on trafficking for sexual exploitation and enforcement of measures addressing trafficking in women and girls for sexual exploitation. Spanish authorities further mention plans for a law on combating trafficking for sexual exploitation. Few Member States report on the use of the Internet or new technologies in order to address trafficking for sexual exploitation. The Netherlands reports on developments in the criminal approach and methods to addressing sexual exploitation, including work on the use of a web-crawler within an action framework and during investigations in order to identify ads in the publicly accessible domain with a risk of sexual exploitation. Bulgaria further mentioned awareness raising and prevention online campaigns at the national level focusing on the use of the Internet and new technologies. The European Parliament highlights the direct impact that some forms of cyber violence against women have on their immediate physical safety, such as “trafficking of women using technological means such as recruitment, luring women into prostitution and sharing stolen graphical content to advertise for prostitution”. The study adds “women do not have to be internet users to be victims of cyber violence or abuse. They can be the object of depiction, (i.e. through the dissemination of rape videos on the internet), the product sold (via websites dedicated to trafficking), etc.” It also emphasises on the role of the internet and new technologies in facilitating trafficking in women and girls, by allowing “traffickers to extend (part of) their activities online (recruitment, advertisement and sales of victims) and gain audience and reach on transnational spaces.”.

These findings are supported by the civil society, which draws attention to the fact that some forms of violence against women and girls in online spaces are directly linked to prostitution and trafficking in human beings, with the Internet facilitating the selling of women to multiple “buyers” on a daily basis. As announced in the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, the Commission will facilitate the development of a new framework for cooperation with online platforms to address online violence against women. The purpose of this voluntary-based cooperation is to bring together relevant stakeholders to share information and best practices on countering illegal and harmful online content. Many actions are reported or advised to be taken as gender sensitive measures. Fundamental Right Agency (FRA) published a guidance that puts forward several considerations for adopting a gender perspective in the protection of children who are deprived of parental care and who are found in need of protection in an EU Member States other than their own. In addition to specific recommendations for the professionals involved, the guidance highlights the gender dimension of the crime, and that women, girls, men and boys are largely trafficked for different forms of exploitation, with women and girls overwhelmingly trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The harms of this form of exploitation are severe, brutal and with long-term gender-specific physical, gynaecological and mental health impacts. Anti-trafficking measures addressing the specific situation of women and girls need to be aligned with broader strategies combating violence against women. European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) highlights that “trafficking for sexual exploitation has gained a place on the policy agenda” and recalls that to certain forms of violence against women, the argument is being made that in order to eliminate violence against women, there needs to be a societal change in attitudes, stereotypes and norms. EIGE gives the example of forced marriage, where there is very little discussion on the perpetrators and the focus is rather on the victims and providing them with information and support. On 5 December 2019, a high-level event took place in the context of the Joint Session of the EU Network of the National Rapporteurs and Equivalent Mechanisms and the EU Civil Society Platform against trafficking in human beings: “Leaving no one behind: breaking the silence on trafficking for sexual exploitation” bringing together around 200 participants. 3.4. Trafficking for the Purpose of Labour Exploitation Trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation is reported to be on the rise by several Member States (e.g. HR, DK, EE, DE, FI, LV, LT, MT, PL, PT, SK, SE, BG, LU). Civil society has also observed an increase in trafficking for labour exploitation in the past years. 15% of registered victims in the EU-27 and 22% in the EU-28 have been trafficked for this form of exploitation in 2017-2018. Labour exploitation predominantly affects men (68% of the registered victims in the EU-27; 80% of the registered victims in the EU-28), in certain sectors victims are predominantly women (such as domestic work, body care activities or cleaning services). Europol highlights that trafficking “for the purpose of labour exploitation is most prevalent in less controlled industries like the agriculture sector, where low-paid, low-skilled and intensive work is required. EU citizens are predominantly employed around the year, while non-EU citizens are mostly exploited in seasonal work”. High-risk sectors referred to by the Member States include the agricultural sector, factories, animal farms, private employment agencies, construction industry, hospitality industry, cleaning sector, domestic work, care services, nursing homes, night shops, pubs, massage parlours, car washes, waste collecting and recycling businesses, trade, forestry, administrative and supportive services. Civil society contributions highlights similar sectors, and especially the areas of cleaning services, hospitality, care and domestic help, shisha bars, construction sites, agriculture, transport, textiles and garments, food manufacturing, processing and packaging. Europol considers that in the case that the Covid-19 pandemic is followed by a recession, there may be an increased demand for trafficking for labour exploitation and a potential increase in intra-EU trafficking of victims in traditional fields of exploitation such as textile and agricultural sectors and in others such as construction, tourism, catering, nursing and domestic services. “In addition to the prolonged harm suffered by victims of trafficking, the closure of businesses with lower profit margins due to an economic crisis will leave the market open to those with illegal or cheap labour at their disposal.” Europol highlights that OCGs engaged in labour exploitation are expected to continue to generate huge profits from their involvement in labour intensive, low-skilled and low-paid work sectors and recommends using financial investigations consistently and as extensively as possible by the competent authorities in trafficking in human beings cases in the agricultural sector. Even though Member States report that the majority of victims of this form of trafficking are men (e.g. AT, HU, NL, PT, SK, SP), there are also reports of women falling victims of this form of trafficking (e.g. LU, CY, NL, PT, SK). Civil society highlights that women and girls victims tend to be more often trafficked for domestic and care related exploitation, including at-home elder and geriatric care. In addition, some contributions by the Member States and the civil society highlight that there is also a gender bias in labour exploitation, regarding the type of tasks delegated to women and the forms of subjugation applied to them. Portugal assesses that in the agricultural sector female victims have an obligation to perform work tasks similar to men, and are at the same time held responsible for the domestic work of the traffickers' homes. Sexual violence is often used as a means of control and it is reported that female victims of labour exploitation are often raped by their exploiters. Regarding prosecution, civil society contributions highlight that victims engaged in at-home elder care are often overlooked, with national authorities focusing on investigations in other sectors with a higher presence of male victims, like construction, agriculture and gastronomy. Most Member States observed an important number of victims trafficked for labour exploitation originated from within the EU. In addition an increase in non-EU nationals was observed (e.g. PT, EE), mainly deriving from large-scale operations. Some of the main nationalities of victims reported for this form of exploitation include Morocco (e.g. BE, ES), Romania (e.g. BE, RO), Moldova (e.g. CZ, PT, EE), and Ukraine (e.g. LV, CZ, SK, EE). India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Slovakia, Eastern European countries and the Philippines were also reported as countries of origin of victims. Member States report on patterns in the irregular employment of victims coming from Eastern European countries, especially Moldova and Ukraine. The Czech Republic notes a trend in the employment of Moldovan nationals using forged Romanian documents, thus granting them easier access to the EU labour market, and employing Ukrainian nationals holding Polish visas. Estonia reports on the existence of a similar trend, especially in the construction sector. Latvia observes that males from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are being employed in the construction, agriculture and transportation sectors in Latvia. Civil society organisations have reported concerns of potential trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation in Ukrainian guest workers in the agriculture and construction industries. Some Member States further report on cases of Philippine nationals falling victims of trafficking in the sector of transportation (e.g. AT, DK). Denmark reports that a factor influencing the 2018 statistics was a police raid. During the operation, the police found Philippine and Sri Lankan drivers, who had been recruited by local agencies in the Philippines and hired through a Polish subsidiary company to a large Danish transport company. The men were transported and harboured by the company under degrading conditions in containers and barracks and were living in poor conditions. Authorities found several indicators of trafficking in their stories and they were finally identified as victims of trafficking in human beings. Member States (e.g. BE, GR, NE, UK) report an increasing tendency in children being amongst victims of trafficking for labour exploitation. A significant number of Member States report on progress made in the identification of victims of trafficking for labour exploitation. This is partly due to the intensification of inspections by labour authorities, including in cooperation with law enforcement. Member States further refer to increased efforts to target high-risk sectors (e.g. AT, BE, BG, CY, CZ, DK, HU, LV, SK, ES). They highlight cooperation between different stakeholders involved in the identification of victims of trafficking for labour exploitation, such as labour authorities, law enforcement, immigration and asylum officers, assistance services, tax authorities, border guards, as well as different governmental agencies and institutions (e.g. AT, BE, EE, FI, LT, SI, SK). Measures taken to address trafficking for labour exploitation and improve the identification of its victims include targeted trainings for labour inspectors and social inspectors (e.g. AT, BE, EL, LU, LT), as well as other relevant professionals, including in law enforcement, the judiciary, the legal profession, social workers, custom authorities, diplomatic and consular officers, immigration authorities, in the education sector, employment agencies, shelters (e.g. BG, DE, EL, HU, LU, MT, SE). As reported, inspections were also conducted in the framework of the Joint Action Days on labour exploitation (e.g. BE, CY, EL, HR, LT, FR, PT), and within the framework of the European Multidisciplinary Platform against Criminal Threats / Trafficking in Human Beings (EMPACT THB) (e.g. AT, SE), especially focusing on high-risk sectors. Joint action day on labor exploitation 2018 Europol supported a Europe-wide operation carried out from 14 to 19 May by law enforcement agencies, labour inspectorates, immigration services, tax authorities, trade unions and other partners targeting organised crime groups (OCGs) trafficking vulnerable people for the purpose of labour exploitation.

During the action week, more than 39 000 individuals were stopped and checked, alongside over 12 900 vehicles and inspections were carried out at over 4 640 places of business and other locations. As a result of these checks, 57 suspects were arrested for trafficking in human beings and a further 192 persons were detained or arrested for other offences including illegal immigration. Overall, 379 potential victims of trafficking were identified. Data gathered during the operation has led to the launch of 56 new investigations in order to identify further suspects and victims linked to trafficking in human beings cases across the EU. Member States also report on operational activities undertaken in order to address the crime, for instance Joint Investigation Operations in cooperation with other Member States (e.g. BG, HR, LV, SE). Dismantling of an Organised Crime Groups involved in the trafficking of Bulgarian citizens for labour exploitation in the agricultural sector in France In the framework of joint investigative operations with other Member States, in September 2019 and in the framework of a joint operation of Bulgarian and French law enforcement authorities, an organised crime group for trafficking in Bulgarian citizens for labour exploitation in the agricultural sector in France was neutralised. About 167 people hired seasonally to harvest grapes near Lyon were identified as victims. A Bulgarian company was involved in the process, which would recruit workers in Bulgaria and send them to French employers, while misappropriating a significant share of the workers' income. Ireland reports that the Memorandum of Understanding for the Monitoring and Enforcement of the terms of Employment of non-EEA crewmen has facilitated in 2019 a significant information sharing between parties, particularly in respect to several investigations on alleged trafficking for labour exploitation of 21 migrant fishermen. Despite progress made in the identification of cases of trafficking for labour exploitation, civil society organisations indicate that there remains a need to improve labour inspections and monitoring of employment standards, especially in industries such as agriculture, building, catering, cleaning, hotels or nail bars. Measures specifically targeting the trafficking of domestic workers are mentioned, including legislative and policy developments related to labour (e.g. CY), training of diplomatic and consular staff (e.g. AT) and cooperation with civil society (e.g. FR). Nevertheless, civil society organisations highlight that not all high-risk sectors are paid the same attention, and that identification is more difficult in some of them, such as domestic work, including working for diplomatic staff, private care, construction, catering and hotel industry, textile factories and beauty salons. In terms of awareness raising, many measures include the provision of information to persons at risk of trafficking for labour exploitation (especially job seekers), in the context of migration (for example along migrants smugglers’ routes and at risk due to criminal networks in the Mediterranean) , asylum procedures, and on their labour rights and obligations (e.g. AT, BG, CZ, ES, FR, LT, LV, MT, PL, PT, RO, SK). These measures especially target high-risk sectors (e.g. seasonal workers in the agricultural sector). With regard to deceptive recruitment sites in the broader context of exploitation in labour market context, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) reports that some victims found work through the internet, and they were deceived because working conditions turned out to be different from those advertised. FRA advises that “in some areas of serious organised crime, Europol supports Member States with intelligence about suspicious websites. An enhanced use of the capabilities Europol has could help Member States to take measures against persons running deceptive recruitment sites, particularly when there is a suspicion of trafficking in human beings.” Cooperation with the European Labour Authority (ELA) According to the regulation of the newly created European Labour Authority, within the framework of their respective competences, the Authority should cooperate with agencies of the Union, in particular those established in the area of employment and social policy, building on their expertise and maximising synergies: the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound), the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), and the European Training Foundation (ETF), as well as, as regards the fight against organised crime and trafficking in human beings, with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust). Such cooperation should ensure coordination, promote synergies and avoid any duplication in their activities. Several Member States address the risks of trafficking for labour exploitation in marginalised Roma communities, especially Roma youth. Bulgaria, in particular, reports on several relevant initiatives aimed at preventing this phenomenon, including awareness raising campaigns and through education and employment. The role of Roma and youth mediators through education and employment- Bulgaria Special attention is paid to the activities of Roma and youth mediators, case managers and psychologists focusing their efforts on encouraging inactive and discouraged individuals to be pro-active in the labour market, including through getting educated and/or registering with the Labour Offices. The task of Roma mediators is to shorten/resolve individuals’ state of unemployment and guide them into employment through motivating them to seek employment, work, learn skills and receive education, or register with the Labour Offices. To that end, the mediators hold formal and informal meetings with individuals or groups, which is the first step towards informing them and identifying their personal chances of finding employment. Roma mediators act according to the individual needs and characteristics of beneficiaries, inform them and motivate them to be active in the labour market. To achieve the goals set out above, Roma mediators work in the neighbourhoods with predominantly Roma ethnic population which are at a particularly high risk and in particular need for prevention. Some of these measures target non-EU citizens coming to work in a Member State (e.g. DK, RO, SK) as well as measures addressed at EU own citizens who go and work in another EU Member State (e.g. RO) or outside of the EU (e.g. PL, RO). Prevention and awareness raising measures target law enforcement authorities, judiciary, NGOs, governmental institutions and the public (e.g. ES, SI), but also employers and businesses (e.g. DK), with a focus on providing knowledge on the signs and indicators of trafficking for labour exploitation and forced labour within businesses. France reports on the ongoing drafting of a convention on partnerships between the State and social partners in the context of the Second National Action Plan on trafficking in human beings, which aims at raising awareness amongst all relevant business stakeholders on the risks of trafficking in human beings in the work environment. Some Member States report on cooperation with other Member States, non-EU countries and international organisations, including the organisation of events and conferences, as well as trainings (e.g. BG, EL, MT, PL). Increasing knowledge on trafficking in human beings for labour exploitation in the Baltic Sea Region In September 2019, the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), Task Force Trafficking in human beings launched a two-year, international project, Competence building, Assistance provision and Prosecution of labour exploitation cases in the Baltic Sea Region (CAPE). CAPE is a project against trafficking for forced labour and labour exploitation that aims to support relevant national and local authorities in project member states to investigate and prosecute cases of forced labour, and to assist victims. The special objectives of the project are to increase knowledge about labour exploitation in the Baltic Sea Region, to stimulate dialogue and know-how exchange between CBSS and EU Member States, and to increase the capacity of national public authorities to counter trafficking for labour exploitation. Project member states are Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, Norway, Poland and Germany.

Italy reports on strategic policy developments on combating illegal employment and labour exploitation in the agricultural sector, including the adoption of a national plan for 2020-2022 against labour exploitation and labour exploitation in agriculture. Portugal mentions measures specifically addressing trafficking in human beings in the agricultural sector, notably by developing information tools, such as the dissemination of leaflets to seasonal migrant workers in different languages and including information on the risks. Several Member States and civil society organisations report on difficulties to investigate and prosecute offences concerning labour exploitation including trafficking for labour exploitation under the national law (e.g.FI, SI, NL, SK), which bears implications on the rights of the victims. In the broader context, policy and legislative measures related to labour conditions, illegal/undeclared work, forced labour and more broadly in the field of employment were adopted by a significant number of Member States (e.g. BG, DE, EE, EL, ES, IE, FR, MT, PL, SK). Although not directly addressing trafficking, these measures contribute to the efforts towards improving the identification of victims and cases of trafficking for labour exploitation. Several Member States further mention developments in their international commitments, in particular the ratification of the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, n°29 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) (e.g. IE, NL). 16 Member states ratified the ILO Forced Labour Protocol between 2016 and 2019 (AT, BE, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, IE, LV, MT, NL, PL, SE). In December 2019, the Commission organised an expert meeting for Member States on the ratification and implementation of the ILO Forced Labour Protocol in the EU, addressing in particular national policies for prevention, protection and remedy and enforcement issues. In June 2018, the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) published a focus paper on migrant women exploited in domestic work. It captures the views and experiences of victims of labour exploitation in domestic settings. The second publication on Protecting migrant workers from exploitation in the EU: boosting workplace inspections was published in September 2018. Evidence from the research aimed to guide authorities with a responsibility to protect and assist workers on how to design effective measures to stop labour exploitation. The overall results of the research with victims were published in June 2019: Protecting migrant workers from exploitation in the EU: workers’ perspectives. Based on first-hand interviews with exploited workers in different sectors and under diverse conditions, the research urges to tackle different forms of labour exploitation across the EU, addressing also trafficking for labour exploitation. FRA organised the conference ‘From wrongs to rights – Ending severe labour exploitation’ in Brussels on 25 June 2019. It hosted the conference together with the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the EEA and Norway Grants and the Council Secretariat to tell the stories of severely exploited migrant workers. Some Member States reported on trafficking for forced labour being linked to other types of forced criminality, most predominant drug trafficking (e.g. BG, LT, SP, NL, AT). In the context of the Covid-19 outbreak, concerns were raised regarding the situation of seasonal workers, especially with respect to their rights and protection: The European Parliament adopted a Resolution on European protection of seasonal workers in the context of the Covid-19 crisis in June 2020 that calls on the European Commission and the Member States to ensure equal treatment of third-country seasonal workers with EU nationals, as stated in Directive 2014/36/EU, recalling that such workers have the same labour and social rights as EU citizens. Moreover, it calls for supporting the work of social partners and civil society organisations to ensure that workers have adequate access to public services, trade union support, decent housing, protective equipment, meals and healthcare. The European Commission adopted on 16 July 2020 the Guidelines on seasonal workers in the EU in the context of the Covid-19 outbreak. This document recalls the rights of seasonal workers regardless of their status: whether they are EU citizens or non-EU nationals, including those working regularly abroad on their own accord, or are posted for example through temporary work and recruitment agencies. It provides guidance to national authorities, labour inspectorates, and social partners to guarantee the rights, health and safety of seasonal workers, and to ensure that seasonal workers are aware of their rights. In order to protect seasonal workers, Member States are invited to step up the enforcement of existing EU and national law and strengthen the field inspections in this respect, including with the support of the European Labour Authority (ELA). The European Platform tackling undeclared work enhances cooperation between Member States' relevant authorities and other actors involved to fight undeclared work more effectively and efficiently while fully respecting national competences and procedures. The Platform offers different resources to help build know-how and showcase transferable practices to tackle undeclared work. The work programme of the Platform foresees, among others, a study on migration and exploitation which will focus on a series of case studies highlighting different approaches to tackle undeclared work and labour exploitation of vulnerable groups of migrant workers including third country nationals. The EU support to the re-integration and social inclusion of vulnerable groups into society is embedded in various principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights that apply to all legally residing third-country nationals. The principle concerning the equal opportunities is particularly relevant in this context. 3.5. Other Forms of Exploitation 3.5.1.Trafficking for forced criminality and forced begging The majority of Member States observe the presence of trafficking for forced begging and forced criminality (e.g. AT, BE, BG, HR, CZ, DK, FR, DE, EL, LT, NL, PL, SK, ES, UK). In some Member States, these forms of trafficking are reported to be on the increase (e.g. BG, HR, EL, NL, PL). The involvement of children is also reported in these forms of trafficking (e.g. AT, EL, FR, SE, FR). Regarding trafficking for forced criminality, Member States report on victims being used in many areas of petty crime, such as property crime, begging and theft, as well as more complex forms of crime, including aggravated theft and fraud (e.g. AT, FR, HR). Other types of forced criminality, linked to trafficking of drugs (e.g. AT, LT, ES, NL) have also been reported. Europol reports that a large share of cases of trafficking for forced criminality concerned drug-related crimes such as forced work in cannabis cultivation, or organised property crime such as pickpocketing or shoplifting. Eurojust confirms these findings, and highlights that this form of trafficking also involves EU nationals, who are trafficked and forced to sell drugs. According to Member States, victims exploited for forced criminality tend to be younger (e.g. HR, EL, AT, UK), and include men and boys (e.g. AT, EL), and women and girls (e.g. SK, AT). Further, there is a growing number of victims from the Maghreb area (mainly Morocco) and Africa (mainly Nigeria) (e.g. EL, DK, SE, AT). Member States (e.g. AT, PL, FR) and civil society contributions also note that victims belong to ethnical minorities, including marginalised Roma communities, and originate from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania. This form of trafficking is characterised by a high mobility between countries. Member States report that victims of trafficking for forced begging originate predominantly from Eastern European countries (e.g. BG, RO). Particularly vulnerable victims to this form of exploitation are persons with substance and alcohol use disorders, physically disabled, ethnic minorities, including from marginalised Roma communities, and people in difficult financial situations. Several Member States mention that physical and psychological force is inflicted upon victims (e.g. PL, SE, ES, AT, BG). Eurojust adds that EU nationals, including some with physical disabilities, are also trafficked for forced begging. Other findings based on Member States reports highlight that family members are sometimes involved as perpetrators or as facilitators, and that the age of the victims is often lower than for other forms (e.g. SP, SE, RO, HR, PL). Similarly, to trafficking for forced criminality, trafficking for forced begging is highly mobile, due to the fact that the victims are constantly transferred around different regions, with the aim of avoiding detection by the authorities. Member States (e.g. FI, ES) report that cases of trafficking for forced begging or forced criminal activity are still most likely to be unidentified and are some of the most invisible trafficking cases. 3.5.2.Trafficking for Forced and Exploitative Sham Marriages

Member States continue to report cases of trafficking for sham marriages (e.g. CZ, FI, LV, LT, PL, SK, BG), some considers such cases increasing. Victims trafficked for this form of exploitation are sometimes reported as being subjected to other forms of trafficking, including sexual exploitation and/or labour exploitation. Civil society also points out the occurrence of forced marriages in the Member States, sometimes combined with other forms of trafficking. Member States report that victims trafficked for forced and sham marriages are mainly women or children, and there is a prevalence of victims from marginalised Roma communities, from Eastern Europe and Morocco, as well as EU citizens. Cyprus, for instance, mentions that perpetrators take advantage of administrative procedures and visa regime in the country they operate and exploit the victims’ vulnerable position (for instance, poor economic conditions, drug addiction, mental issues, etc.) to perform the marriage. Eurojust reports that EU nationals, some with mental disabilities, are trafficked for the purpose of sham marriages with non-EU nationals to allow the latter to get residence permits in an EU country. Czechia highlights that the trend of forced and early age or sham marriages is closely linked to the movement and residence of third-country nationals in EU countries, as the demand in many cases comes from non-EU nationals (for example, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan). Poland further mention investigations in relation to the trafficking in Polish nationals for the purpose of sham marriages in other Member States, including Cyprus and the United Kingdom. Slovakia reports on the trafficking in women and girls for the purpose of forced marriage, with cases of early forced marriages linked to complex interlinks between traditions and the specific situation of children within marginalised Roma communities. The gender dimension of trafficking for the purpose of forced, early age and exploitative sham marriages is highlighted by civil society organisations, as disproportionately affecting women and girls. The link with migration is also demonstrated by the EU agencies and civil society, notably the particular vulnerability of migrant women and girls. EIGE reported that “with increasing numbers of women and girls being found among those fleeing their countries the amount of women and girls exposed to trafficking and forced marriage is increasing”. Similarly, the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) reports that, in the context of migration, forced marriage is a potential form of trafficking in Libya. A significant number of civil society organisations has identified the phenomenon of trafficking for exploitative sham marriages, which disproportionately affect women and girls, as an emerging concern in the EU. They further highlight the subsequent vulnerability of victims of this form of trafficking to abuse within the marriage, or further exploitation, such as for sexual or labour purposes. 3.5.3.Additional Examples of Other Forms of Exploitation In addition to trafficking for forced criminality, for forced begging and for forced and exploitative sham marriages, Member States also reported on, trafficking for selling of babies and for illegal adoptions (e.g. PT, BG, ES, LT), and selling of organs (e.g. BG). Eurojust also highlights that other forms of trafficking in the reporting period include trafficking of EU citizens with the aim to give birth and sell their babies and trafficking of EU nationals being financially exploited through fraud. Some civil society contributions have raised concerns about emerging forms of trafficking in human beings in the form of surrogacy. Portugal reported one investigation regarding a case of an illegal adoption, involving Ecuadorian citizens and an Ecuadorian victim, although the investigation was closed and transferred to Ecuador. Another case in Portugal concerned the selling of babies. It was reported that one Brazilian citizen, helped by her Portuguese lover, sold four of her babies to Portuguese immigrants living abroad (France, Switzerland) for adoption. She received over EUR 100 000 for the four children. Bulgaria reported that trafficking in pregnant women for ‘selling’ new born babies has decreased significantly. Greece and Cyprus are preferred destination countries for this form, due to some specific traits of these countries’ national legislation. In 2019, Greek law enforcement authorities, supported by Europol, dismantled an organised crime group involved in the trafficking of human beings for the purpose of selling ova, illegal adoption and money laundering. The criminal network recruited vulnerable pregnant women from Bulgaria and transported them to Greece where they were sent to private hospitals to deliver their children. The newborns were then illegally adopted for between EUR 25 000 and EUR 28 000 each. The fees included paying the biological mother, all legal expenses, hospitalisation, delivery itself and the members of the criminal group. Some of the mothers brought to Greece were also used as surrogates. The same criminal group was also involved in ovum trafficking. The criminals recruited donors in Greece, mainly from Bulgaria, Georgia and Russia. The women were then transferred to Thessaloniki to undergo a series of fertility treatments to increase the number of ova. In total, the case involved 66 individuals, including a lawyer, an obstetrician-gynaecologist and employees of private clinics. Officers seized EUR 13 000 in cash, three cars, mobile phones and electronic devices, various documents related to adoption and surrogate procedures, birth certificates and bank statements. It is estimated that the criminal activity generated at least EUR 500 000. The money was laundered through financial institutions, luxury goods and properties. Europol supported the investigation by facilitating secure information exchange, providing operational and analytical support, and intelligence and financing one operational meeting. Spain reports on a trafficking case for this form of exploitation involving a criminal network that exploited Paraguayan women sexually. One of the victims arrived to Spain being pregnant and one of the leaders of the network arranged an illegal adoption when the child was born so the victim could continue to be exploited. Lithuania refers to ongoing individual pre-trial investigations into other forms of trafficking in human beings, including illegal adoption. Additionally, a case of trafficking for selling of organs to Turkey was reported in Bulgaria. Belgium reported on a law relating to trafficking in human organs and the principle of non-punishment of victims of trafficking in human beings being adopted on 22 May 2019, in conformity with the provisions of the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs. 3.6. Child Trafficking This chapter provides further information and analysis with regard to child trafficking in the EU, in addition to the concerns identified in chapter 3.3 of this staff working document regarding trafficking for sexual exploitation, in particular of girls victims.

Children accounted for nearly one-third (32%) of all registered victims in the EU28 in 2017-2018. Without data from the United Kingdom, children accounted for 22% in the EU 27. The majority of children trafficked within the EU28 were EU citizens (57%), mostly trafficked within their own country. Without including data from the United Kingdom, nearly three quarters (74%) of all child victims registered in the EU27 were EU citizens. The majority of child victims (64%) in the EU27 (37% in the EU28) were trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation and 6% in the EU27 (16% in the EU28) for forced labour. Nearly half (49%) of the child victims registered in the EU28 were girls, the other half being boys. Without the UK data, the vast majority of child victims in the EU 27 in 2017-2018 were girls (78%), boys accounted for 21% of the victims. Nearly three quarters (74%) of all child victims registered in the EU-27 were EU citizens. Girls represented almost three quarters of child victims with non-EU citizenship (69%). The majority of child victims in the EU-27 (64%) have been trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The EU legal and policy framework is victim-centred, gender-specific and child-sensitive and identifies children as inherently vulnerable to trafficking in human beings. Despite worthwhile efforts against child trafficking, the phenomenon persists. European Parliament’s resolution on Children’s Rights (2019) “Recalls the crucial importance of ensuring that the rights of all girls and boys who are victims of trafficking are respected, irrespective of their nationality status; reiterates its call on the Member States to fully implement the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive with a special focus on preventive measures; stresses the importance for the Member States of stepping up action to ensure accountability towards the victims of trafficking and to eradicate the crime itself, as well as to combat the impunity that still prevails among traffickers, exploiters, profit makers and abusers, including by criminalising the use of services exacted from victims of trafficking for all forms of exploitation.” According to Europol, trafficking and exploitation of boys, especially for sexual exploitation, and including children in migration, remains an under-reported phenomenon at EU level. Europol reported that female suspects play a key role in the trafficking and exploitation of children, much more than in criminal networks involved in trafficking of adult victims. Document fraud is highlighted as an essential component in the trafficking of children as traffickers often use fraudulent documents to conceal the real age of the victims. The exploitation of child victims of trafficking for forced criminality related to property crimes such as pickpocketing or shoplifting, but also to drug-related crimes, such as cannabis cultivation, is a worrying concern according to Europol. Children in migration and unaccompanied minors continue to be at higher risk of trafficking and exploitation along migration routes towards and within the EU. Reports show that traffickers have frequently used reception centres to identify potential victims and to arrange further transportation of victims to the places of exploitation. The Council conclusions provided for the EU Policy Cycle to tackle organised and serious international crime for the period 2018-2021 to fight against trafficking in human beings in the EU for all forms of exploitation, including sexual and labour exploitation, as well as all forms of child trafficking. Operational activities against child trafficking, such as Joint Action Days, are regularly carried out under EMPACT with the support of Europol (AP Phoenix). Actions targeting child trafficking carried out under EMPACT in 2018-2019 resulted in the arrest of 58 suspects for trafficking, the identification of 104 child victims, the youngest of which was only two years old, and the initiation of 76 cases. In 2018-2019, Eurojust has supported 33 cases on trafficking in human beings involving children. Frontex reported that in 2018-2019, the number of children arriving to the EU has increased (13%) compared to previous years and in 2019 alone, the number of arriving unaccompanied children has increased by 35% compared to 2018. The Agency pointed out that, while this is not per se an indicator of trafficking, children represent a vulnerable group that requires special attention. Frontex has started in 2018 to collect data on arrivals at the external borders, disaggregated by the age and gender of arriving third-country nationals, as well as the status of arriving children, in order to better identify vulnerable groups, including trafficking in human beings. Frontex regularly shares data on arriving children with the Fundamental Rights Agency and supports other EU Agencies and partners in their work. Europol in cooperation with Portugal’s Immigration and Borders Service organised in 2019 an international conference on trafficking of non-EU children. The conference provided a forum for discussion among practitioners of current challenges related to child trafficking, such as the identification of potential victims, the international dimension of the phenomenon, trends and the modus operandi used by the trafficking organisations and investigative experiences. The EU has provided funding to support anti-trafficking projects, including with a focus on addressing child trafficking. The European Commission regularly publishes calls for proposals under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) to support actions for the integration of third country nationals who are victims of trafficking and the Internal Security Fund-Police (ISF-P) for law enforcement actions, taking into account child victims of trafficking and the gender specificity of the criminal phenomenon. The EU Agency for Fundamental rights (FRA) has continued to support Member States in strengthening guardianship systems. The Handbook on Guardianship produced in 2015 together with the European Commission continues to be a relevant and useful tool in the practical implementation of guardianship. In January 2018, FRA also produced a summary of its report “Guardianship systems for children deprived of parental care in the EU”. In the last years, several Member States have amended their guardianship laws, such as Greece and Italy. In the framework of FRA’s work in the Greek and Italian hotspots, FRA has also been involved in supporting national actors in defining the structures and working methods of guardians and building the capacity of key actors. Civil society pointed out the identification of child victims of trafficking as a continuous challenge and highlighted that cases of child trafficking are often treated as cases of child sexual abuse, thus failing to take into account potential exploitative structures involved in the crime. Workshops targeting children going through age assessment procedures and development of child-friendly procedures in Portugal In January 2019, upon suggestion by the Council of Europe, the National Commission carried out a series of workshops aimed at children going through age assessment procedures in Portugal, a situation that may affect trafficked children as well. Following the outcomes of the workshop, the National Commission developed, with the financial support from the Council of Europe, a brochure on age assessment procedures designed for refugee and migrant children, as well as other children undergoing this procedure, including child victims of trafficking. The brochure takes into account the recommendations of the Council of Europe on child-friendly justice, social services and healthcare focussing on the reasons age assessment procedures exist, their consequences, the institutions and personnel involved, expected timeline, the rights that children have before, during and after going through the procedures, as well as useful contacts. The brochure is also meant to inspire other professionals in different national contexts. FRA developed, in cooperation with the European Commission, a guide on Children deprived of parental care found in an EU Member State other than their own, published in 2019. The guide aims to strengthen the response of all relevant actors for child protection. It implements an action set forth in the 2017 Communication stepping up EU action against trafficking in human beings. The guide focuses on child victims of trafficking and children at risk, and takes into account identified patterns, in particular trafficking in girls. The guide has been translated to Bulgarian, Croatian, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Romanian and Spanish. Foreword to the Fundamental Rights Agency’s (FRA) guide to enhance child protection focusing on victims of trafficking “Children are particularly vulnerable. However, vulnerabilities alone do not result in trafficking. Trafficking in human beings is fuelled by the high profits it generates and by the demand for the services exacted from the victims. In the EU today, many are using girls and boys like commodities – often in plain sight. A variety of actors profit, both in legal and illegal sectors. Changing this appalling reality must therefore include countering the culture of impunity by bringing perpetrators, exploiters and users/abusers to justice.”

3.7. Emerging Concerns on Trafficking in Human Beings and Persisting Vulnerabilities Member States, civil society and EU agencies refer to emerging new concerns. The use of information technology is pointed out by many as an emerging concern. Europol reports an emerging trend of organised crime groups engaging in trafficking in human beings for the purpose of illegal adoptions across the Member States. In addition, multiple forms of exploitation of victims was identified as an emerging issue. Internal trafficking, child trafficking, trafficking in Roma victims and vulnerability of migrant and refuges women and of unaccompanied minors have been reported as persistent risks and patterns of trafficking. 3.7.1.Multiple Forms of Exploitation The Second progress report highlighted that some groups, mainly children and girls in marginalised Roma communities, had fallen victims to multiple and combined forms of exploitation. In this reporting period, Member States (e.g. CY, SK, SP, SE and PL) have reported cases of multiple forms of exploitation, including: trafficking for sexual exploitation and for forced labour (e.g SK); forced labour and criminal exploitation (e.g. SK, PL); sexual exploitation and forced criminal activities (e.g. ES, SK); forced begging and forced criminal activities (e.g. ES, PL, SK); forced begging and sexual exploitation (e.g. SE, SK); and sexual exploitation and forced marriage (e.g. SK). Women and girls appear to be particularly vulnerable to multiple forms of exploitation. Slovakia reports that, in 2017, combined ways of exploitation appeared, in particular for female victims, exploited for the purposes of sexual exploitation in combination with forced labour, forced marriage or forced criminal activity (theft). In addition, a combined way of exploitation appeared in one male victim, who was exploited for purposes of forced begging, sexual exploitation and forced criminal activity (theft). In 2018 there were two cases reported for combined forms of exploitation: a combination of forced marriage and sexual exploitation in female child victims. Spain reports, for instance, the case of a Bulgarian criminal network that forced women (some of them girls) to sexual exploitation and to commit thefts in large city centres. Another case concerned a criminal network that recruited Romanian and Moroccan victims and forced them to beg and to steal. In Poland, victims of domestic exploitation were forced to commit criminal activities or to open accounts, from which the perpetrators drew funds using credit cards registered in the name of the victims. In addition, some victims were forced to steal as well as to sell counterfeit products. Sweden reports on cases of young women, who, in addition to being forced to beg, were subjected to sexual exploitation. 3.7.2.Internal trafficking The Second Progress Report showed an increase in internal trafficking. One key finding of the present reporting period is that EU citizens continue to be trafficked within their own Member State. Several Member State highlight that identified victims within the country are their