Colombo: 30th of July marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, highlighting the theme ‘Trap Behind the Scams.’ Human trafficking is fundamentally the sale and exploitation of human beings, reducing individuals to commodities for the personal gain of organized criminal groups. This crime can victimize anyone, regardless of age or gender, and occurs both within and across national borders. Traffickers seek financial or material benefits through various forms of exploitation, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and forced criminality.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, technology has facilitated the evolution of trafficking into a cyber-enabled crime. Cyberspace, especially social media, the dark web, and fraudulent websites, has become a tool for traffickers to execute scams such as romance scams and fraudulent employment schemes. These tactics mislead victims into trafficking situations, where they face exploitation, including cyber-related criminal activities.

Scams are typically fraudulent schemes designed to deceive and exploit individuals, and may constitute criminal offenses under domestic laws. Human trafficking, particularly through forced criminality, often compels victims to engage in illegal activities under duress, as seen in cases reported in Myanmar. Victims, driven by fear and basic survival needs, often have no choice but to comply with traffickers.

The legal system acknowledges such individuals as victims rather than offenders, underpinning the non-punishment principle in trafficking cases. This principle ensures that trafficked individuals are treated as victims and receive protection and support rather than punishment. Although human trafficking is recognized as a serious offense under Section 360(C) of the Penal Code, the non-punishment principle requires further interpretation to protect victims effectively.

While not all scams qualify as human trafficking, they can be integral to the recruitment or exploitation phases. Scams like romance fraud or employment schemes can be initial steps in trafficking processes, leading to further exploitation. Human trafficking offenders face imprisonment of two to twenty years, with harsher penalties for child victims, reflecting the gravity of the crime. Sri Lanka has developed a strong legal framework to combat trafficking, focusing on prevention, investigation, prosecution, and victim protection.

Offenders often use false information and deceptive promises to exploit individuals, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as children, women, and economically disadvantaged individuals. Awareness and vigilance in the digital age are crucial to preventing victimization. The public is urged to report trafficking incidents to authorities such as the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department.

Collective efforts are vital to eradicating this illegal and inhumane crime, ensuring a safer environment for all individuals.