The Social Organisation of Human Trafficking

Abstract

The public perception of human trafficking in Western Europe is heavily influenced by shocking events such as the Dover incident in 2000, when 58 Chinese immigrants suffocated in a lorry while trying to reach the United Kingdom. Tragic incidents likes this attract a lot of media attention and human trafficking is often associated with ruthless criminals and helpless victims. The media and the scientific literature frequently refer to Chinese ‘snakehead-organisations’, which are often depicted as strictly organised transnational criminal organisations. During the police investigation and the criminal trial much more information about the ‘Dover drama’ came to light. The unfortunate Chinese were undoubtedly victims. During their journey through many countries, they had endured protracted hardships. However, the social organisation of the smuggling ring turned out to be much more complex than first assumed. Although there was definitely a Chinese connection, the lorry driver was a Dutch national and several Turkish offenders were closely involved as well. The Dover incident made it clear that there is very little systematic insight into the social organisation of human trafficking in Western Europe.