ORANJESTAD – Criminal networks are increasingly recruiting and controlling individuals through digital channels across the country. This trend is central to a training session on sex trafficking and criminal exploitation, held on April 24 in Aruba for professionals from the Caribbean region.
According to organizer Angela Persad, an expert in sex trafficking and immigration crimes, the methods used by criminals are rapidly evolving. Victims are no longer only physically trafficked but are increasingly recruited, manipulated, and controlled online. This shift makes exploitation harder to detect and less visible.
The training focuses on current trends, particularly the involvement of minors and the exploitation of wealth for short-term gains. The session emphasized the principle of “no punishment,” meaning that individuals coerced into committing illegal acts should not automatically be treated as offenders but rather as victims.
While the session specifically targets the Caribbean region, the professional organization notes that more people globally are being affected by this type of crime. The training featured an interactive component and was intended for a broad audience, including support personnel, control authorities, and policymakers.
