Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the National Police has recorded 323 cases of human trafficking
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the problem of human trafficking in the country has significantly worsened. During this period, the National Police of Ukraine documented 323 cases of human trafficking, which underscores the seriousness of the challenges the country faces during the war. About this reported in the Department of Communication of the National Police during an educational quest for students aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of human exploitation.
According to the police, among the documented cases, 174 persons received the status of suspects in cases related to human trafficking. A significant part of these criminals operated as part of organized criminal groups — 15 such groups have already appeared in court. This shows the complexity and scale of the problem, as human trafficking is usually an organized and well-planned activity that often has international connections.
The National Police also emphasized that with the beginning of Russia’s full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine, the threat of Ukrainians falling into modern slavery has increased significantly. A large number of people found themselves in difficult life circumstances due to the war, lost their jobs and homes, which makes them more vulnerable to fraudsters who offer dubious earning opportunities both in Ukraine and abroad. The unstable situation has led to the fact that many citizens are ready to accept risky proposals without realizing the possible consequences.
According to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), every second Ukrainian (52%) risks becoming a victim of exploitation by agreeing to dangerous offers for employment or other forms of income. This is especially true for offers abroad, where a lack of clear information or legal status puts many people in situations that lead to exploitation.
The police noted that 241 victims of human trafficking were identified during this period. Among them are 104 men, 100 women and 37 children, including 23 minors. These data suggest that human trafficking is a problem that affects all categories of the population, including children, who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
