The report presented today at the Superior Council of Internal Security revealed a notable decrease in crimes related to illegal immigration in Portugal last year. A total of 343 such crimes were recorded, 144 fewer than in 2024, marking a 29.6% decrease. Ten years ago, the figure stood at 541.
The report also indicates a drop in the number of arrests, with 12 individuals detained for human trafficking, 11 fewer than in 2023, and eight people arrested for aiding illegal immigration, a decrease of 34 compared to the previous year.
Conversely, the number of indicted individuals associated with these crimes has risen. There were 43 indictments related to human trafficking, 13 more than in the previous year, and 138 indictments for aiding illegal immigration, an increase of 23 from 2023.
Regarding victims of such crimes, the Observatory on Trafficking in Human Beings (OTSH) recorded fewer cases. A total of 355 registrations were made, reflecting a 45% decrease from 2023. Of these, OTSH validated 213 victims, primarily linked to labor exploitation in Beja, Faro, and Viana do Castelo. The report highlights that in Faro, unlike the other areas, the suspected exploitation is sexual rather than labor-related.
Among the reported cases to OTSH were 24 minors, down from 52 in 2023, with the average age being eight years. These cases are presumed to involve exploitation or illegal adoption.
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