Corruption and trafficking in human beings: (Un)explored nexus

Abstract

The subject of this article is the relationship between corruption and human trafficking, more specifically, the impact of corruption on the emergence and spread of trafficking in human beings. This paper aims to systematize the findings of existing theoretical and empirical studies that have examined the connection between corruption and trafficking in human beings. As the primary research method, the author employs a literature review. Scientific papers that have addressed the link between the key concepts were analyzed. Findings indicate that corruption is one of the strongest predictors of human trafficking in the countries of origin, as well as the most significant factor facilitating the process of human trafficking and enabling impunity for perpetrators of this criminal act. Based on insights from the existing academic literature, we can conclude that the nexus between corruption and trafficking in human beings remains insufficiently explored.

Keywords

• corruption
• trafficking in human beings
• public officials
• border police
• organized criminal groups