Human trafficking busts increasing

Human smuggling and human trafficking have increased significantly over the past 2 years, according to the Commander of the Royal Military Police, Hans Leijtens. "It is worrisome that criminals increasingly actively engage in smuggling and trafficking humans," said Leijtens in an interview with ANP press agency.

The military police, responsible for border patrol, have seen the numbers in trafficking increase with 25 percent, and smuggling increased with 10 percent compared to the previous year. All over Europe, including in the Netherlands, the military police see cases of exploitation of refugees, such as where they are forced into prostitution. Nowadays, most refugees come in from Syria and Afghanistan, according to Leijtens. They prefer Germany, France and the Scandinavian countries for their already present compatriots, but also Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Great Britain. The Netherlands is also important as transit country.