Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is closer than many people realise
Human trafficking is the recruitment, movement, harbouring or control of a person for the purpose of exploitation. It can involve force, threats, deception, abuse of vulnerability, coercion or control.
From our president
A global crime hidden in plain sight
The latest global estimates from the International Labour Organization, Walk Free and the International Organization for Migration indicate that 50 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021. This included people in forced labour and forced marriage. Women and children remain disproportionately vulnerable.
Laetitia Drăgan
Asociația FREE founder
Why Romania remains deeply affected by trafficking
Romania continues to be a source country and also a transit and destination country for trafficking. Romanian women and children are exploited within the country and elsewhere in Europe, including through sexual exploitation, forced labour and other forms of abuse.
Beyond the numbers: hidden exploitation
ANITP reported 326 victims notified to Romania’s anti-trafficking system during the first half of 2025. Identified cases represent only the people who become visible to the system; exploitation often remains hidden.
How traffickers gain and maintain control
Traffickers may use false job offers, romantic relationships, promises of money or travel, family and social connections, online recruitment, threats, debt and emotional manipulation to gain control.
When human beings are treated as products
Sexual exploitation can take place on the street, in private locations, in clubs or massage parlours, through pornography, video-chat platforms and other online environments. A person may appear to have freedom of movement while still being controlled through fear, manipulation, violence, debt or dependence.
If You Suspect Someone Is in Danger
You can also contact Asociația FREE at 0767 05 55 02 or [email protected].
If there is immediate danger, call 112.
For information and guidance in Romania, contact the ANITP national helpline: 0800 800 678.