Despite hundreds of victims – few are convicted of human trafficking

Despite the fact that several hundred people may be suspected of falling victim to human exploitation or human trafficking annually in Sweden, very few are convicted of the crimes.
This is shown by a new report from the Equality Authority, which now wants the legislation to be simplified.
– It is unacceptable that people are exploited in this way, says investigator Paulina Bolton.

The report has reviewed all legal cases related to human trafficking and human exploitation since the legislation in the area was tightened in 2018 and until 2023.
And despite the fact that various authorities in the country come into contact with several hundred people every year who may have been victims, the convictions are few.

Only two were convicted last year

Last year only two in number. One of them concerns a woman from the Philippines, who had her passport confiscated and was forced to work almost around the clock for two years as a nanny for a family in Gothenburg – under constant camera surveillance in the family’s home.

– It is very problematic that there are so few sentences. Partly because it then becomes very risk-free for perpetrators to exploit people in this way. While the profits from doing this are very high, says Paulina Bolton.

Even labor, exploitation for sexual purposes is most common. Sweden has also received international criticism for its low level of prosecution. In the report “Why are so few convicted of human trafficking”.

“The legislation should be reviewed and simplified”

Now the Equality Authority is proposing several measures for more effective crime fighting.
Among other things, they want the legislation to be reviewed and simplified.
In addition, knowledge in the area needs to increase among the judiciary and other relevant authorities. It is also hoped that the Attorney General will take cases to the Supreme Court in order to obtain indicative judgments.

– It is unacceptable that people are exploited in this way. These are very serious crimes and violations of human rights. We must be able to maintain some kind of protection and compensation for these vulnerable people, says Paulina Bolton.