A Victim of Human Trafficking Can Be Anyone

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A victim of human trafficking can be either a foreigner or a Finnish citizen. The situation is often difficult to detect from the outside. Even a relationship or arrangement that originally began with consent or mutual understanding can later turn into human trafficking.

What all forms of human trafficking have in common is that the victim has been placed in — or gradually fallen into — a subordinate position, in which they are no longer free to decide about their own actions.
A person can end up in such a situation, for example, through:

exploitation of their dependency on the perpetrator, for example regarding housing, livelihood, family or intimate relationships, debt, or residence status. A victim may also become dependent on the perpetrator as the exploitation continues.
blackmailing, for example with threats of exposure, shame, or revealing personal information or past actions.
pressuring, threatening, or intimidating the person or their loved ones — for example with deportation or violence.
deception or exploitation of their weakened ability to resist due to, for example, age, illness, disability, substance dependency, limited language skills, or lack of support networks and knowledge.

If you suspect human trafficking but are not sure whether your situation meets the criteria, always contact an organization that works with victims of human trafficking.
Even if the situation is not human trafficking, it may still constitute another criminal offence.
At organizations such as Victim Support Finland (RIKU), you can also seek help anonymously. The Finnish Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking can also be consulted anonymously.

What can human trafficking look like?

Different forms of human trafficking also occur in Finland. Examples include:

Labour exploitation: The victim has been placed in a situation where they work under poorer conditions than those to which they are legally entitled according to Finnish law and collective agreements.
Sexual exploitation: The victim may be pressured to sell sex or forced to submit to other forms of sexual abuse.
Exploitation in criminal activity: The victim has been coerced or forced to commit crimes — such as theft or drug offences. According to law, a person in this situation should not be punished for crimes they were forced to commit.
Forced marriage or trafficking in the context of an intimate relationship: The person may have been forced into a relationship that involves violence or exploitation, or they may have entered it voluntarily but later become trapped in a situation they cannot leave even if they wish to.

Other forms: Human trafficking includes all situations where a person has been placed in conditions that violate their human dignity.
If you suspect this, contact an expert organization to discuss whether the situation could constitute human trafficking.

What should I do if I suspect that I or someone else might be a victim of human trafficking?

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Victim Support Finland (RIKU) provides confidential advice on what kind of support and assistance you are entitled to, how to proceed, and what the process may mean for you.
If you wish to take the matter forward, you can also receive guidance and practical help for that.
RIKU does not share any information about your contact with other parties without your permission.
Our services are always free of charge, and professional interpretation can be arranged when needed.

Contact us in your own language:

Email: help@riku.fi
Phone (Mon–Fri 1–4 p.m.): +358 40 632 9293 (also SMS or WhatsApp)

A Victim of Human Trafficking Can Be Anyone

What can human trafficking look like?

What should I do if I suspect that I or someone else might be a victim of human trafficking?

Read more