Dutch Youth Increasingly Victims of Cross-Border Prostitution Exploitation

New research suggests that more than 125 Dutch boys and young women have likely been exploited in prostitution in Belgium and Germany in recent years, with authorities having minimal insight into this vulnerable group. The findings come from a study by the Center for Child Abduction and Human Trafficking (CKM), part of the expertise and treatment center Fier. This marks the first investigation into Dutch victims of exploitation abroad.

The CKM’s research indicates that cross-border exploitation is more prevalent than previously understood. The center surveyed over 200 professionals, including aid workers, police officers, and other specialists in the Netherlands and abroad. Between 2021 and 2023, dozens of these professionals reported signs of Dutch victims being forced to work in Belgium or Germany. The CKM estimates that at least 125 victims were involved during this period, with the majority exploited in Belgium. Official registrations in the same years recorded only nine victims, underscoring the significant gap in knowledge about those forced into prostitution across borders.

Initial investigations were prompted by an open youth institution in the Dutch border region, which observed girls being picked up by men in cars with German license plates. Staff suspected these young women were being sexually exploited across the border, taken to houses in Germany where other men were allegedly present for paid sex. Online sex advertisements also pointed to potential cross-border exploitation. Furthermore, several young people contacted Fier through its anonymous chat service, reporting that they were made to work in prostitution in Belgium and Germany. This led the CKM to conduct a broader investigation into the extent of this exploitation.

The victims are typically girls and young women, many of whom still live at home or are in institutions, with some being minors. Exploitation often begins in the Netherlands before victims are taken across the border. Abroad, they are forced to meet clients in hotels, private residences, sex clubs, and holiday parks, often in towns just over the border or in larger cities like Antwerp and Duisburg. The study also noted that the reverse situation occurs, with aid workers reporting cases of German and Belgian youth being forced into prostitution in the Netherlands.

One aid worker involved in the study described how victims are “ping-ponged” between different locations and countries, being made to work in various places. Disturbingly, surveyed care providers also suspect that some girls are involved not only in prostitution but also in criminal activities, such as smuggling drugs.

Limited Cross-Border Cooperation

Until now, there has been very little information available regarding the exploitation of Dutch victims abroad. Even with this new research, a complete picture remains elusive, but the CKM deems the signals so alarming that action is imperative. The study found that Dutch organizations have minimal contact with their counterparts in neighboring countries. “Except in acute exploitation situations, contact and information exchange appear to be virtually non-existent,” the report states.

The CKM is urging ministers in the Netherlands and abroad to develop a joint strategy to combat cross-border exploitation. This includes not only enhancing cooperation between police forces but also fostering better relationships between aid organizations. This improved communication would enable them to alert each other when they encounter potential victims. “It should not matter if a victim of exploitation has crossed a national border,” said CKM researcher Verena Elders. “Yet, this is still complicated for aid workers.”

Government Response

In response to the study, Minister Van Weel (Justice and Security) stated, “Every victim of human trafficking is one too many. This is even more true when it concerns children and young adults, who are extra vulnerable to becoming victims of human trafficking.” The minister indicated that the government would study the findings carefully.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
| :—————— | :———- |
| Estimated Victims | At least 125 Dutch youth exploited in Belgium/Germany (2021-2023) |
| Official Registrations | Only 9 Dutch victims registered in the same period |
| Primary Exploitation Locations | Belgium, Germany |
| Contributing Factors | Limited cross-border cooperation between organizations |
| Recommended Action | Joint approach by ministers and enhanced collaboration between aid agencies |

This development is significant for FootballGames10 readers as it highlights a critical issue of human trafficking and exploitation affecting young people in regions with close ties to the Netherlands. Understanding these cross-border criminal activities is important for awareness and prevention efforts.

Source: NOS Voetbal – Nederlandse jongeren vaker dan gedacht in buitenland gedwongen tot prostitutie (https://nos.nl/l/2621267)

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