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Tougher measures against human traffickingWill visiting the nail salon soon be punishable? Federal government plans new law
A visit to the nail salon could have legal consequences in the future if exploitation is involved. (symbol image)
picture alliance / dpa topic service | Christin Klose
Anyone who books an appointment at a nail salon or another service could soon find themselves in the sights of the justice system.
A new federal government bill is intended to significantly intensify the fight against human trafficking and forced labor – and for the first time also makes customers more responsible.
More consistently against human trafficking
The federal government has launched a draft that is intended to significantly intensify the fight against human trafficking. The aim is to better prosecute so-called “modern exploitation” and to close loopholes in criminal law. The focus is particularly on cases in which people have to work under duress – for example through violence, dependency or the withholding of documents.
So far, the focus of criminal prosecution has been primarily on the perpetrator structures. However, in the future, people who knowingly use such services could also be prosecuted.
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Customers are also in our sights
There is one point in particular that is new about the draft: not only the exploitation itself should be punishable, but also the conscious use of the services provided. Anyone who knows or accepts that a person is working under duress or is a victim of human trafficking could also be liable to prosecution in the future. This not only affects classic areas such as forced prostitution, but also other sectors – such as construction, catering or service businesses such as nail salons.
Nail salons in particular often come into the focus of investigators. Authorities say there is evidence that in some cases workers, often from abroad, are employed in poor conditions or without fair pay.
Not every studio is affected, but According to experts, extremely low prices or conspicuous working conditions can be a warning signal. Signs such as missing contracts, isolated rooms or unusual structures could also indicate exploitation.
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Tougher penalties and fewer loopholes
The current penalty for human trafficking is a prison sentence of six months to five years. In particularly serious cases – such as proven violence, kidnapping, gang involvement or the exploitation of minors – up to ten years in prison is already possible. In the future, these high penalties could also be generally applied in particularly serious cases, even if additional characteristics such as violence or organized crime are not clearly proven. In addition, it should be made easier for investigative authorities to discontinue proceedings against those affected if they themselves have acted under duress.
Anyone who knowingly uses the services of people who are victims of human trafficking should in future be treated with one Imprisonment of up to five years or a fine have to calculate. If it involves forced prostitution, the client faces a prison sentence of three months to five years.
The reform is not yet in force. After the cabinet decision, the draft will now go to the Bundesrat and then to the Bundestag. Only then will it be decided whether and in what form the new rules will actually be implemented.
