Trafficking for Criminal Exploitation: Scale and Scope of The Problem Internationally, one in five victims of human trafficking are children. In Moldova, Bulgaria and Albania children have been more likely to be victims of trafficking for labour, begging and criminal activities than sexual exploitation. Over time, countries such as Romania have seen an increase in children trafficked for begging and criminal activities (Surtess, 2005). In poorer regions and sub-regions, such as Africa and Greater Mekong, children account for the majority of trafficked people (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - UNODC, 2015).
Trafficking for multiple purposes seems to be an increasing trend (Brotherton & Waters) e.g. production of counterfeit goods: ECPAT UK suggests that children are being forced to produce DVDs with Chinese nationals being most often the victims within the London area (Anti-Slavery International, 2014)
Children involved in drug related crimes including transporting drugs and weapons has emerged as a particular issue within the “county lines” phenomenon (National Crime Agency, 2015, 2017 and 2018).