More minors and foreign workers are victims of human traffickers.
The number of human trafficking cases in the Netherlands has sharply increased, reflecting greater awareness and improved reporting of this crime. According to the national rapporteur on human trafficking and sexual violence against children, Conny Rijken, reports of exploitation rose from 868 cases in 2023 to 944 in 2024. Data showed that many of the new victims are minors and foreign workers.
Reijken explained that this increase in numbers is "not necessarily a negative thing," pointing out that it indicates the authorities' ability to reach more victims who can now be helped. She estimated that there are about 5,000 people in the Netherlands suffering from various forms of criminal exploitation, meaning that the official figures represent only the "tip of the iceberg."
Many cases involving minors relate to their recruitment in drug trafficking operations, carrying out arson attacks, or extracting drugs from containers at ports. Some teenagers are also forced to allow criminals access to their bank accounts. Reiken said, "We do not know exactly who these young people are, but we know they are attracted to the promises of quick financial gains offered by these networks."
The report also noted a worrying increase in the number of victims from Ukraine, as well as women from Venezuela and Colombia who were deceived by false job offers to find themselves victims of sexual exploitation. The police face difficulties in tracking these networks, as human traffickers easily move between hotels and tourist accommodations to avoid detection.
Despite the increase in reports of human trafficking cases, the number of investigations conducted by the police has decreased by nearly a third. Reiken confirmed that investigations into sexual exploitation cases have become less frequent, often due to a lack of staff. To combat this phenomenon, the Dutch parliament recently approved stricter penalties for those who assist traffickers — such as those who provide housing for the exploitation of women. The maximum penalty for human trafficking in the Netherlands remains 12 years in prison.