On 1–3 October 2025, the Eradicating II Project hosted a Simulation Exercise in Athens, bringing together law enforcement agencies (LEAs), prosecutors, labour inspectors, and civil society organizations (CSOs) from across Europe. The exercise aimed to strengthen cooperation and build capacity in addressing trafficking in human beings (THB) through an immersive, hands-on approach.

The Simulation Exercise was organized by KEMEA – center for Security Studies, with the support from Hellenic Police and KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre and the participation of all partners of the consortium.

The approach: A Realistic Case Scenario

Participants were divided into multidisciplinary groups and asked to work through a complex trafficking case. Each member was assigned a role—ranging from police officers and prosecutors to social workers, psychologists, NGO representatives, and even the victim and trafficker. By adopting these perspectives, participants explored the challenges of detection, victim protection, and prosecution in a realistic setting.

Key Findings from the Exercise

• Multidisciplinary Cooperation is Essential
  Effective THB responses require close collaboration between authorities, CSOs and supporting actors. While LEAs and prosecutors focus on evidence and prosecution, supporting actors play a crucial role in ensuring victims feel safe and supported enough to cooperate.
• Early Victim-Centred Approaches Improve Outcomes
  Participants noted that immediate, trauma-informed care can change the course of an investigation. When victims are supported from the start, they are more likely to disclose key details.
• Financial Investigation is Key
  Trafficking is not only about exploitation, but also about profits. The inclusion of a financial intelligence perspective reminded participants that following the money trail can dismantle networks and prevent further exploitation.
• Trust and Communication Barriers Persist
  The role-play demonstrated how victims often distrust authorities due to past trauma or fear of retaliation. Building trust—through interpreters, NGOs, and careful questioning—proved critical to gathering reliable information.

The Eradicating II Project will continue to foster cross-sector collaboration and practical training, ensuring that frontline actors are better equipped to identify victims, disrupt trafficking networks, and secure justice.

We warmly thank all participants for their active engagement and commitment throughout the exercise. Your openness to step into challenging roles, share expertise, and collaborate across disciplines was key to the success of this simulation. Together, you demonstrated the strength of joint action in tackling trafficking in human beings and reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation under the Eradicating II Project.