Children are one of the most vulnerable groups targeted for the trafficking in human beings (THB). Organised crime groups (OCGs) choose to traffic children as they can be easily recruited and quickly replaced. OCGs can also maintain child victims relatively cheaply and discreetly. The exploitation of children violates the human rights of children; to have a safe childhood in their family setting, to receive education, to have time to play and to be protected from exploitation.

This Intelligence Notification focuses on the exploitation of children forced into committing criminal activities and forced begging. The victims of these types of exploitation are frequently falsely identified as suspects rather than victims of THB.