Human trafficking as a form of organized crime: manifestations, financial flows, and the position of victims (JR-IHKA)

The aim of the project is to examine and describe human trafficking as a component of organized crime and to illustrate the current state of the phenomenon, its key manifestations, the financial gains obtained by criminal actors, and money laundering mechanisms.

In addition, the project examines the position and vulnerabilities of victims, as well as international best practices for combating the phenomenon.

The project’s findings will increase knowledge of the interfaces and intersections between human trafficking and organized crime. Enhanced understanding will help target measures for the identification, detection, investigation, and prosecution of organized crime and human trafficking, as well as for supporting victims. Furthermore, the project’s results will support risk assessments, crime prevention efforts, the development of statistical reporting, and training.

Timescale: June 2026 – March 2027

Project partners: European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the United Nations (HEUNI) (lead implementing organization), Grey Economy Information Unit (HTSY)

Funding: The total project budget is €120,000. The project is funded by the Finnish Government’s Research, Assessment and Foresight Activities Supporting Decision-Making (VN Tutkiva).

Contact persons at the Polamk: Senior Researcher Terhi Kankaanranta (Project Manager), Senior Researcher Vesa Muttilainen, Researcher Carita Lundqvist. Email addresses in the format [email protected].