NCJ Number
226163
Journal
European Journal of Criminology Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2008 Pages: 433-451
Date Published
October 2008
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed 62 Belgian court files in order to obtain data on the characteristics of East-European criminal networks involved in the trafficking of women for prostitution.
Abstract
The networks identified have characteristics that can be traced to ethnic Albanian roots and networks linked to ties carried over from associations in the former Soviet Union. In closed Albanian ethnic networks, family and clan are essential to understanding their methods of working and the scope of their practices. In post-Soviet networks, the critical factor is the relatively homogeneous culture of control practiced by friendship coalitions. Both types of organizations, however, tend to evolve into multiethnic, transnational networks in the interests of expanding their income and the transnational connections required for trafficking across national borders. In the Russian and Bulgarian networks, as well as in some of the Albanian networks, traces of former intelligence work is evident. The more experienced networks have learned that trafficking operations are smoother and safer when the women are recruited through trust and the promise of a better life rather than through control through threats and abuse. Over time, the criminal organizations have learned that mutual agreements and mutual benefits offer the best chance for long-term success. Data for the study were obtained from 62 Belgian court files of cases of human trafficking processed between 1995 and 2003. The objective of the analysis was to develop profiles of the criminal networks involved in the trafficking of women for prostitution from Eastern Europe into Belgium. 46 references