Key Features of Cross-Border Child Trafficking Involving Unaccompanied Minors: Empirical Evidence from Spain

Author: Espuny, Rubén & Villacampa, Carolina

Abstract: This study, based on 15 in-depth interviews with professionals from public and third-sector organizations in Catalonia (Spain), examines cross-border trafficking affecting unaccompanied minors, from recruitment in their countries of origin to exploitation in the destination country. The findings reveal that most detected victims are adolescent girls from Sub-Saharan Africa, deceived by acquaintances with false promises and later subjected to sexual exploitation by unknown individuals. Through analysis of their trafficking trajectories, the study seeks to deepen understanding of the phenomenon and to strengthen institutional responses for its early detection.

Keywords: child trafficking, exploitation, exploitation conditions, recruitment, transfer