Fighting migrant smuggling and human trafficking
Migrant smuggling and human trafficking exploit vulnerable people and fuel organised crime. Find out how the EU and member states work together to prevent these crimes, disrupt criminal networks and protect victims.
Migrant smuggling
Migrant smuggling is a profitable business for criminal networks that facilitate irregular migration into and within the EU. It is estimated that more than 90% of irregular migrants who reach the EU use the services of smugglers. According to the UN, smuggling networks generate between €4.7 and €6 billion in profits each year.
Smuggling can put migrants at serious risk and is often linked to other forms of serious and organised crime. The EU works with member states, EU agencies and international partners to prevent migrant smuggling, disrupt criminal networks and prosecute those responsible.
Fighting migrant smuggling is also one of the EU's priorities for the 2026-2029 cycle of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT). EMPACT brings together law enforcement, judicial and other authorities to coordinate operational action against organised crime.
In 2025, EMPACT actions against migrant smuggling led to:
- 3 761 arrests
- 2 339 investigations
- €8 million in cash and assets seized
- 25 698 forged documents seized
The EU is also updating its legal and operational tools to tackle migrant smuggling. In December 2024, the Council agreed its position on a proposal to update existing EU rules, bringing national criminal laws closer together and providing for tougher penalties in serious cases.
The EU has strengthened Europol's role in fighting migrant smuggling and human trafficking, including by reinforcing information sharing and establishing the European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling (ECAMS) as a permanent structure within Europol. Launched in March 2026, the centre builds on the work of its predecessor, established in 2016, and supports member states in tackling criminal networks and identifying victims.
The EU also works with non-EU countries and international organisations to prevent migrant smuggling, including through awareness-raising, information on legal migration pathways and cooperation between law enforcement authorities.
Human trafficking
Human trafficking is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental rights. It involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or reception of people for the purpose of exploitation, including sexual and labour exploitation.
The EU works to prevent trafficking, prosecute traffickers and protect victims. Human trafficking is one of the EU's crime-fighting priorities under EMPACT for 2026-2029.
In 2025, EMPACT actions against human trafficking led to:
- 303 arrests
- 944 investigations initiated
- €7.9 million in cash seized
- 4 985 victims reported or identified
EU rules on combating human trafficking were strengthened in 2024. The revised rules add forced marriage, illegal adoption and the exploitation of surrogacy to the forms of exploitation covered by EU law. They also strengthen prevention and victim protection and make the knowing use of services provided by victims of trafficking a criminal offence.
The EU and its member states also work to improve the identification and protection of victims, including children. National authorities provide assistance and support, while EU cooperation helps strengthen the response across borders. National human trafficking hotlines and support services are also available across the EU.
Per maggiori informazioni
La lotta dell'UE alla criminalità organizzata
Patto sulla migrazione e l'asilo
Ultima modifica: 12 ottobre 2026
