DISRUPT Project Hosts EU-Wide Training on Digital Evidence in Human Trafficking Cases
DISRUPT Project Hosts EU-Wide Training on Digital Evidence in Human Trafficking Cases
Brussels, Belgium — October 16-17, 2024
The DISRUPT project recently held its first-ever intensive training at the European Parliament in Brussels, bringing together law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judicial authorities, and legal practitioners from across Europe to tackle human trafficking through innovative digital means. This two-day training, held on October 16 and 17, focused on advancing the use of digital evidence in investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases, particularly those involving child victims.
DISRUPT, which stands for “Enhance Digital-led Investigations, Prosecutions, and Judicial Responses for dismantling Trafficking chains of children,” aims to equip professionals with digital tools and strategies to more effectively dismantle trafficking networks. With human trafficking becoming increasingly digitalised, the project addresses the need for more robust investigative and prosecutorial frameworks, especially in cases where perpetrators use online platforms to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Training Modules
The training event featured a series of in-depth modules, each focused on an essential aspect of handling trafficking cases:
- Module 1: Child Trafficking for Sexual Purposes
This module offered participants critical insights into the digital tactics traffickers use for recruiting and exploiting children, especially for sexual purposes. The session equipped professionals with skills to detect and counter these evolving threats on various online platforms. - Module 2: Electronic Evidence in Trafficking Cases
In an era where electronic evidence is indispensable yet challenging to manage, this module covered best practices for evidence collection, preservation, and analysis. Special focus was given to overcoming obstacles like cross-border data accessibility and protecting the privacy of victims and their families. - Module 3: Ethical Considerations and Victim Protection
The third module explored the ethical responsibilities of professionals working with trafficking victims. Emphasis was placed on protecting victims’ rights and dignity, as well as safeguarding safe justice principles, a priority in any justice-oriented approach to handling trafficking cases involving children. - Module 4: Transnational Cooperation
Since human trafficking is an international crime, this module underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration. A case study highlighting successful cooperation between EU countries illustrated how joint investigation teams can strengthen investigations and enhance justice outcomes in trafficking cases.
Insights from Experts
The event featured a distinguished panel of experts who provided invaluable knowledge to participants:
- Jorn van Rij (Dutch Police) shared strategies for digital investigations specific to child trafficking.
- Blagorodna Makeva (Law and Internet Foundation) discussed key challenges in obtaining and preserving electronic evidence in trafficking cases.
- Levent Altan (Victim Support Europe), alongside Tyra Omeir (Our Rescue), emphasised ethical considerations and the importance of safeguarding victims throughout legal proceedings.
- Hannah Reiter (VICESSE) introduced emerging practices in prevention and investigation, encouraging a proactive approach to handling digital evidence.
- Joe Cannataci (University of Malta) elaborated on the significance of transnational cooperation for digital evidence exchange, critical to dismantling trafficking chains that cross multiple jurisdictions.
Moving Forward
This training marks an important milestone in Europe’s ongoing battle against human trafficking. With enhanced skills in digital evidence handling, participants are now better equipped to address the complex realities of trafficking cases, protect victims, and collaborate across borders to bring traffickers to justice. Through initiatives like DISRUPT, Europe continues to innovate and strengthen its response to one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time.
SAVE THE DATE for the next European Training event, taking place on 12 and 13 February 2025 in Vienna, Austria.
