The "Natasha" networks: sex trafficking in post-cold war Europe

This study explores why sex trafficking occurs in Europe; the nature of trafficking networks; and the efforts Germany, Poland, and Ukraine have made to stop trafficking within their borders. A supply chain model is used to explain how organized crime groups structure their networks, how the groups operate through the networks, and the success and profitability of trafficking. The geographic complexity of the networks contributes to the difficulties states have in disrupting the flow of women. Although many factors explain the ease of "recruitment" of women in Eastern Europe, trafficking remains a demand-driven market due to the desire of West European men for sexual services. In order for states to decrease trafficking, they must actively work to end the demand for prostitution. This can be accomplished by adopting an abolitionist law regarding prostitution, while also strengthening anti-trafficking legislation