Improving research to tackle human trafficking in Georgia

A training on human trafficking has been held for units responsible for investigating international smuggling of migrants and trafficking in human beings in Georgia in the framework of the European Prometheus project, which aims to support Georgian authorities in their management of borders and migration flows to Europe.

The main objective of this activity is to describe how investigators work in Europe, while sharing best practices and specific investigation methods related to the dismantling of organised criminal networks linked to trafficking in human beings.

In Georgia, the Central Criminal Police, under the supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office, is responsible for investigating the most serious cases through two units specifically responsible for investigating international smuggling of migrants and trafficking in human beings.

The Georgian researchers mentioned issues of labour, sexual and online exploitation of trafficking in human beings or the protection of minors, women and men from sexual exploitation and violence as the main topics. Also, other methodological issues such as the exchange of experiences on prevention of adult and child trafficking, interview techniques, prosecution of perpetrators or the collection and preservation of evidence.

Following the trainings, all supporting documents have been drafted to complete the training. This documentation and methodology will serve as a basis for further training and can be adapted according to the reactions of the trainees.

The Prometheus project

This is the second phase of the project, the overall objective of which is to manage irregular migration by improving detection and research. Subsequently, the specific objectives are to strengthen the capacity of the border control police to deal with irregular migration, and to strengthen the investigative capacities of the relevant Georgian authorities.