Human trafficking ring exploiting children halted in Serbia

Europol has supported the Serbian Police in dismantling a criminal network involved in human trafficking for the purposes of forced marriage, forced begging and forced criminality. The family-based criminal network is suspected of committing these crimes against a number of underage victims under the authority of the suspects. The investigation also involved law enforcement authorities from Austria, France and Germany.

The actions led to:

• 4 house searches in Serbia
• 5 arrests (Serbian nationals), including the leader of the criminal group
• 8 victims identified (6 minors between 5 and 11 years old and two adults)
• Seizures include large amounts of cash and digital equipment, including over six mobile phones and financial documents.

Victims aged between 5 and 17

The investigation targeted a family-based criminal organisation involved in the trafficking of minors aged between 5 and 17 years and young women. The individuals are suspected of having trafficked their own biological children and other children with whom they have family ties. The suspects allegedly forced the minors to beg and commit crimes in Serbia, Austria, France and Germany. Investigative leads indicate that the suspects exploited the minors and also sold victims to other perpetrators located outside of Serbia.

Members of the criminal group also used the ‘lover boy’ modus operandi to lure victims into romantic relationships, after which they exploited them through forced begging and forced criminality. They also forced their victims to beg and commit criminal activities in Serbia and in other countries, where the suspects had established criminal connections. Most of the victims are of Serbian nationality, with the exception of one Ukrainian national, who was forced to beg by members of the criminal group. The suspects laundered the criminal proceeds by purchasing luxury goods and maintaining a high standard of living. The underage victims have been taken into child protection services by the relevant Serbian authorities including the specialised Centre for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking.

Europol's role

Europol supported the operational activities, facilitated the exchange of information and provided analytical support. On the action day, Europol deployed one expert to Serbia to cross-check operational information in real time and support investigators on the ground.