Human trafficking is a complex crime that is constantly taking on new forms. In order to get to the bottom of the mechanisms of this phenomenon, GGMH, as a partner of the VANGUARD project, is focusing on the perspective of the perpetrators. This is a special approach, because while many scientific studies concentrate on the victims of human trafficking, the perspective of perpetrators often remains poorly understood. Yet it is precisely their perspective that is crucial.

Why the perpetrator’s perspective is important

The aim of the research by GGMH is to gain a better understanding of the mindsets, actions and manipulation tactics of perpetrators, especially in the context of the so-called “loverboy method”. The loverboy method refers to the strategy of how perpetrators purposefully establish romantic relationships with potential victims in order to create an emotional bond with them and ultimately exploit them sexually. It is a very common tactic used by human traffickers. Dutch prosecution bodies estimate that, of the around 30 000 people in prostitution in the Netherlands, up to 70 % have been forced into prostitution by violence or lured into it by a “loverboy” (or “romeo pimp”).(1)

To date, GGMH has already conducted qualitative interviews with 20 convicted offenders, primarily in German prisons. The results are particularly relevant in terms of prevention:

1. Recognizing criminal patterns: Understanding how offenders think and act can help identify potential threats early on;

2. Decoding manipulation strategies: Analyzing offender behavior provides insight into the methods used to recruit, control and exploit victims;

3. Improving prevention measures: By examining the motivations and social contexts of perpetrators, targeted and realistic prevention programs can be developed.

Preliminary results and next steps

The interviews offer insight into the thoughts of the perpetrators. One perpetrator describes his approach as follows: “You get to know someone, get information, understand their weaknesses and use it against them. It’s absolute manipulation.” Reflecting on this, the interviewee now realizes: “I wouldn’t want my daughter or my sister or my mother to be taken for a ride by anyone when they might be going through a difficult phase in their life.” At the time, however, he had not considered the consequences of his behavior.

The findings of the research will be published in a research report and will serve as a basis for the development of precise prevention guidelines. Ultimately, teenagers and young adults should be better protected from the dangers of human trafficking through targeted educational measures. In this way, GGMH’s work as part of the VANGUARD project will make an important contribution to combating human trafficking.