THE MODERN WAYS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Taking ownership of a human by a conservatorship
Medium | 19.01.2026 15:25
THE MODERN WAYS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Taking ownership of a human by a conservatorship
The many faces of exploitation in trafficking.
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Individuals affected by human trafficking in Germany still tend to be classified as victims of sexual exploitation. As a result, victims affected of trafficking for the purpose of labor exploitation and financial exploitation are therefore hardly addressed in counseling and support services. There are no counseling and support services available for victims of financial exploitation.
Within the German Government, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is the lead ministry in charge of fighting forced labour and human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation and of helping victims.
In 2024, the German government adopted its first national action plan for the effective combating of human trafficking. This plan specifically regulates the rights of those affected. The plan encompasses all measures for combating human trafficking. Its main focus is on protecting those affected.
Contents of the action plan
• Expansion of support and specific measures for particularly vulnerable groups to better protect those affected.
• Strengthening cooperation between authorities and civil society actors.
• Systematic data collection for the targeted development of measures to improve the data situation.
• Intensification of national cooperation and adaptation of strategies to the digital dimension of human trafficking.
• The NAP provides for the adaptation of criminal offenses relating to the fight against human trafficking to the reformed EU Directive.
What is the German coalition government’s position on combating human trafficking and protecting those affected?
The coalition agreement contains far-reaching plans with direct and indirect implications for combating human trafficking and supporting those affected.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATION AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH
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In Germany, it is mainly women who are exploited, but not exclusively. All genders are affected by human trafficking, which is particularly shocking in the areas of employment, career counseling, home nursing, in marriages and very common in family dynamics. For money, a favor in many cases followers are attracted to get involved and become aiders, contributing to the effectiveness of a human rights violation what makes this crime so dangerous. It’s a covered and quite crime. Happening behind shut doors, where victims voices are silenced, unreached by authorities and helpers.
And there are many more forms of exploitation than prostitution, namely in the areas of financial crime and care, which must be prosecuted more severely under criminal law and where those affected must receive clearer support in enforcing their rights. The isolation of victims by those responsible for their protection is the most common cause of obstruction of justice in crimes against human rights. This often occurs in the immediate or family environment, and by no means only in poverty, but also in high society, where women are trafficked for financial abuse. Law enforcement agencies must address this particular circumstance in their investigations in order to solve crimes. Victims are often forced into poverty by human trafficking and find themselves in precarious living conditions, especially when trying to step out and reporting.
A study on the digitization of human trafficking — KOK — by the nationwide Coordination Group against Human Trafficking in Germany identifies the major challenges for law enforcement and specialist counseling centers.
The study examines the influence of the internet and social media on
human trafficking in Germany and highlights the serious impact of technological developments
on combating human trafficking and supporting victims, as well as illustrating the growing role of communication and information technologies in human trafficking.
This raises major challenges for law enforcement and for the protection and support of victims of technology-based human trafficking.
The nationwide Coordination Group against Human Trafficking in Germany comments on alarming developments and the major digital challenges.
Perpetrators are increasingly using communication and information technologies to recruit, control, isolate, exploit and even threaten victims, thereby expanding their scope of action and supplementing previous methods of human trafficking. With the help of digital tools such as messenger services and tracking apps, they can monitor and pressure victims even from a distance. Politicians, law enforcement agencies, and support systems are still in the early stages of responding to these challenges.
The published study presents possible solutions and makes specific recommendations to politicians, law enforcement agencies, and specialist counseling centers.
Information about the study and the study itself can be found on the website of the German Nationwide Coordination Group against Human Trafficking.
Human Trafficking 2.0 — Digitalization of Human Trafficking in Germany.
