To browse Academia. The paper explores the intricate relationship between the Internet and the illicit activities of people smuggling and human trafficking. It highlights how digital platforms have facilitated the operations of smuggling networks and the complexities involved in distinguishing between human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The study discusses the legal frameworks established to combat these crimes, particularly the UN protocols, and examines the socioeconomic factors contributing to these issues, with a particular focus on Romania's role as a prominent source of trafficking victims.
Moreover, it delves into emerging trends, such as the use of cryptocurrencies in payment for illegal services, reflecting the evolving nature of these crimes in the digital age. A revised contemporary definition of trafficking, that includes the fundamental role of migration and two processestraditional and new -has implications primarily for policy and practice; but also, nonetheless, for research, theory and study as well.
Trafficking in human beings is considered to be the modern slavery. In the last few decades, it has spread and is continuing to spread all across the world due to its high-demand character and also due to the complex transborder network of organised crime working underground. In order to counteract this phenomenon, there needs to be a similarly complex network of international actors, such as international organisations, states, NGOs and all the other actors involved, which intensively and efficiently cooperate in order to prevent THB, prosecute offenders and protect victims.
Therefore, in the area of legal measures, much has been done, but in the area of gathering data, prosecution of offenders and protection and assistance of victims there is still much to be done.
This article will make a general overview of the most important EU documents issued in the area of counter trafficking, in addition to the UN Protocol, assessing the legal and policy framework that is already in place in the EU concerning this aspect.
