Denmark's Center against Human Trafficking identified 99 victims of human trafficking last year, a significant increase from 78 the previous year. The rise comes amid a strategic shift by authorities to pursue more criminal cases, with recent convictions in Kolding and Sønderborg exposing the brutal exploitation of Thai women in Danish brothels.
"I hope the convictions are also a result of our changed strategy and our close cooperation with the police," said Trine Ingemansen, head of the Center against Human Trafficking. Her agency has moved beyond purely social support to actively report cases anonymously and encourage victims to contact police directly. This new approach is yielding results, with 367 individuals assessed by the center last year and a marked increase in specific tips from the public.
A New Blueprint for Prosecution
The recent case in Kolding, involving five Thai women, has provided Danish police with a crucial template for future investigations. The women arrived in Denmark believing they would work as masseuses, but instead found themselves subjected to strict control over meals, working hours, housing, freedom of movement, and earnings in brothels in Fredericia and Horsens. The court found they were in a difficult situation with no real or acceptable alternative.
"In this case, we went 'all in' regarding interventions and measures and did not hold back on the use of resources," said Vice Police Inspector Sønke Iwersen of South and Southern Jutland Police, the national lead unit on human trafficking. The successful prosecution led to the conviction and deportation of three Thai nationals, with prison sentences ranging from four to two-and-a-half years. The court also confiscated approximately one million Danish kroner from the convicted individuals.
The Challenge of Measuring the True Scale
Whether human trafficking is actually increasing in Denmark remains difficult to determine. Vice Police Inspector Iwersen notes the complexity of measuring an inherently hidden crime. "But it has certainly become a more visible problem in Danish society," he stated. The increased visibility is partly due to the Center against Human Trafficking's proactive stance and improved inter-agency coordination.
The center's preliminary assessment indicates that more people than previously estimated are subjected to severe control and gross exploitation. The majority of identified victims in the recent wave are Thai nationals, highlighting a specific pattern of trafficking into the sex industry. The convictions in Kolding and Sønderborg in November and December, involving seven women in total, underscore this trend.
Economic Drivers and Vulnerable Pathways
From a business and trade perspective, human trafficking represents a grotesque distortion of legitimate labor migration. Denmark's strong economy and high standard of living make it a target destination for traffickers promising vulnerable individuals a better life. The promise of work in wellness or massage—sectors with legitimate businesses across Copenhagen and other cities—is a common cover for sexual exploitation.
The economic motive for traffickers is clear. The confiscation of one million kroner in the Kolding case points to a lucrative, criminal enterprise. This illicit trade operates in stark contrast to Denmark's transparent, regulated business environment and its global reputation for high labor standards and social welfare.
A Shift in National Strategy
The strategic shift by the Center against Human Traffelling marks a significant policy evolution. Previously focused on victim support, the center now operates with a dual mandate: providing social assistance while actively facilitating criminal justice outcomes. This model aligns with broader Nordic approaches to complex social problems, combining welfare services with law enforcement.
"Our role was previously only to provide a social effort. Now the center also strives to report as many cases as possible in anonymized form, while also trying to motivate the individuals to go to the police themselves," explained Trine Ingemansen. This method aims to lower the threshold for victims, who often fear reprisals against themselves or family members in their home countries.
The International Dimension and Trade Relations
The prevalence of Thai victims introduces an international dimension to Denmark's human trafficking challenge. It necessitates close cooperation with Thai authorities and raises questions about recruitment pathways and the role of fraudulent work agencies. Denmark maintains active trade and diplomatic relations with Thailand, and addressing this issue requires sensitive, bilateral collaboration that goes beyond standard trade agreements.
For Danish businesses, particularly those in hospitality, cleaning, and construction—sectors sometimes associated with labor exploitation—these cases serve as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous supply chain and subcontractor due diligence. The Copenhagen-based ethical trade initiatives that apply to global manufacturing must also be vigilant at home.
Looking Ahead: Prevention and Prosecution
The creation of an investigative "template" from the Kolding case is a key development. It standardizes the evidence required for prosecution, potentially increasing conviction rates and deterring traffickers. This procedural innovation could be as valuable as the sentences themselves.
The road ahead involves sustaining this momentum. It requires continued resource allocation to specialized police units, support for the Center against Human Trafficking's dual mission, and public awareness to generate tips. The economic aftermath, including the management of confiscated criminal proceeds, also sets a precedent for stripping traffickers of their financial gains.
As Denmark continues to confront this hidden crime, the balance between victim protection, criminal prosecution, and international cooperation will define its success. The recent convictions prove that the system can work, but the rising number of identified victims confirms the battle is far from over. The question for authorities is whether increased visibility truly signals progress, or merely reveals the tip of a larger, more troubling iceberg.