Human trafficking: Labour exploitation of men now exceeds sexual exploitation of women

Istat's recent report reveals a significant shift in human trafficking trends in Italy, with labor exploitation of men now surpassing sexual exploitation of women. In 2025, 1,964 trafficking victims were identified, with men making up 49.2% of the total. The report highlights improvements in victim identification and support systems, showing a 46.8% increase in individuals recorded by Italy's protection system since 2021. The number of men receiving assistance has nearly tripled, while the number of women has decreased.