This report presents findings on trafficking for forced criminal activities and begging in the European Union and offers practical guidance on identifying and addressing this form of trafficking.

Part I includes findings from an exploratory study conducted in 2013 and 2014 by Anti-Slavery International, ECPAT UK, The Specialist Policing Consultancy, the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland and La Strada Czech Republic. The project undertook to set a baseline for identifying and understanding the scope and scale of trafficking for forced criminal activities and begging, areas that have so far been little researched. The key findings of the research show that these forms of trafficking are more prevalent than has so far been identified and that many of those who are in prisons across the EU are in fact victims of trafficking who should have never been prosecuted.

Part II is a good practice guide. It is intended for use mainly by front line professionals, such as police, lawyers, NGOs, prosecutors and social workers, who may come into contact with victims of trafficking for forced criminal exploitation and forced begging.  This guide offers tools to identify victims, information about their rights and guidelines to help identify the crimes committed and prosecute those responsible. The guidance also contains case examples and good practice models.