Human trafficking as a challenge for the criminal justice system and criminal policy

Abstract

The article addresses the issue of human trafficking, with particular emphasis on forced labour and sexual exploitation in prostitution as its dominant forms recruitment methods, mechanisms of coercion and exploitation, as well as the social, economic, and geopolitical factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The paper discusses the profiles of victims and perpetrators, the power relations between them, the structure of the human trafficking „market”, and the issue of coercion vs. apparent voluntariness of victims. It also examines the scale of the problem in Poland and the directions of national and international anti-trafficking policies, including an extended analysis of the National Action Plan against Human Trafficking for 2025–2027 (objectives, measures, coordination, funding, evaluation, implementation challenges). Furthermore, the principle of non-punishment of trafficking victims (for unlawful acts committed as a result of exploitation) is discussed in light of EU law and proposed changes in Polish law. The study incorporates the latest legal regulations case law, empirical data, and strategic documents. The analysis is based on normative acts, academic literature, and official reports. The aim of the article is to highlight the multidimensional nature of human trafficking and the necessity of coordinated prevention and prosecution efforts in the context of transnational organized crime.