Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person. It is a non consensual act; the exploitation typically occurs indefinite. When people (most immigrants) are exploited or forced to do certain things for which they do not choose and where other people benefit from. Examples: under minimum wage work or forcing into prostitution. The exploitation can go hand in hand with force, blackmailing and deception.
Human smuggling is the facilitation, transportation, attempted transportation or illegal entry of a person across an international border. Helping immigrants with or without having profit, gaining access to, transit through or departure from Sint Maarten or other countries mention in treaties or to provide the opportunity, means or information while knowing or have serious reason to suspect that the presence of the individual is illegal. The team, which consist of members of the local police force, the Koninklijke Marechaussees and a close working relationship with the immigration department.
The Human Trafficking & Human smuggling department is responsible for the following task:
- Conducting criminal investigations based on information received or arrest(s) made regarding the violation of the Human Smuggling and Human Trafficking laws. All by all combating and preventing all forms of organized crimes about Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling.
- To combat human smuggling and human trafficking of at risk groups on the island through prevention and protection.
