All Fine at the EU’s Southeastern Front? An Investigation into the Countering of Sex Trafficking on the Island of Cyprus

Abstract

Human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is a complex global issue. This article explores this issue in the context of Cyprus, an island jurisdiction within the European Union. The article aims to pinpoint gaps in the process of investigating and prosecuting cases of trafficking in persons for sexual purposes on the island of Cyprus. Thirteen interviews were conducted with representatives from various agencies commissioned to deal with human trafficking on the island, including police, courts, and prosecution services. The findings reveal a corpus of breaches and flaws throughout the process of managing trafficking and its associated victims. These include inadequate identification of victims, ineffective prosecution of offenders, and scarce convictions. In view of these findings, recommendations are provided to improve the overall domestic management of people trafficking.