Criminal exploitation of youth: For di Gara – Out of the Grip

They say:

“Do you want to make some extra cash?”
“Doing something for cash?”
“Easy money. Nobody will notice.”

It seems attractive.
But then you need to give your bank card. Or drop off a parcel.
And before you know it, you are the stake in their game.
When it goes wrong, you pay the price. Not them.

That is criminal exploitation.
They use you to do something criminal - whilst you are the one bearing the consequences.

It starts small. But the consequences are big.

Sometimes it is difficult to recognise.
Perhaps you are already caught up in it. Or perhaps you see it with someone else.
Pay attention to these signals:

Recognise the signals

• You suddenly receive gifts, expensive clothing or cash
• Somebody asks for your bankcard, phone and pincode or ID
• You cannot talk about it with anyone
• You feel pressured to do something
• You lie or keep things a secret
• A friend suddenly acts mysteriously or suddenly appears to be “rich”
• Somebody says: “Everyone does it. Easy money.”

• If it does not feel right then it usually is not
• To stop is to be strong. There is nothing to be ashamed of
• Never give your bankcard with pincode, telephone or ID to someone
• Ask for help – even for a friend
• Do not be pressured
• You decide what you do

This is not a hustle – you are being used

Talk about it. With a mentor, someone at school, or your parents.
You can also seek help anonymously via the KPCN tip line: 9310.

You're not alone.

Answer these questions honestly. Check what is applicable to you:

1. Somebody offered me something for money or stuff.
2. I gave my bank card, ID or phone.
3. I am not permitted to talk about it with anyone.
4. I feel pressured.
5. I do not understand fullywhat I need to do.
6. I lie about what I do or where I am
7. A friend is suddenly acting mysteriously or has expensive stuff.
8. I feel I am or will be in trouble.

Your score:

• 0–2 times yes → Stay alert, you do not appear to run a direct risk.
• 3–5 times yes → You may be at risk. Talk to someone you trust.
• 6 times or more yes → You are clearly at risk. Seek help today.

It often starts quietly. A small parcel here, an odd job there. Gifts, cash or a new “friend” of whom you know very little.
What if your child is the stake — without you knowing?

Criminals use young people to commit criminal offences. This sometimes appears to be innocent: picking something up, depositing money somewhere, or getting a phone. But the consequences are serious. And the young person pays the price for what someone else devised.

It also happens on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

• Your child is secretive or easily irritated.
• There are suddenly expensive things, clothing or cash.
• You notice that they lie or avoid conversations.
• School performances drop, behaviour changes.
• Your child has new contacts of whom you know very little.
• You feel that something is not right.

• Keep the conversation going. Show sincere interest, without judging.
• Ask open questions about school, friends, and money.
• Be alert to small signals — they often mean more than you think.
• Ask the school or a counsellor for help if you are in doubt.
• You do not need to do it alone.

Answer these questions honestly. Tick what is applicable to your child.

1. My child comes home with money or stuff without a clear explanation.
2. They are suddenly secretive about where they have been.
3. My child has new friends of whom I know nothing.
4. They lie or avoid conversations.
5. There is question of mood swings or tensions at home.
6. School performances or attendance are dropping,
7. My child is outdoors more or provides a vague explanation.
8. I have a gut feeling that something is not right.

Result:

• 0–2 times “yes” → Your child likely isn’t at risk, but stay involved
• 3–5 times “yes” → You may be seeing warning signs. Talk to your child or a care professional
• 6 times or more “yes” → Your child is at risk. Take action. Contact the school, youth services or the police

Talk to your child. Ask questions about behaviour, friends or money.
Contact the school or a youth worker if you are in doubt.
You can also find information or ask for help anonymously via the anonymous tip line of KPCN: 9310 and via email Meldmensenhandel@politiecn.com

General numbers:

What starts as a ‘favour’ can quickly lead to criminal offences. Young people get tangled up, often without realising themselves.

Criminals use vulnerable young people in their network:

• to channel money
• to pick up parcels
• or to surrender bank cards or telephones

The young person becomes liable to prosecution. The criminal disappears from the picture.

• Pay attention to behavioural changes, tension or secrecy.
• Continue asking when a young person suddenly has money.
• Contact the parents or other professionals.
• Share concerns – also if they appear to be minor.
• Deploy your expertise to render young people more resilient.

• Sudden absence or reduced performances at school.
• Conflicts at home or with authorities.
• Vague explanation about money, telephones or “odd jobs”.
• Young people with a lot of cash or brand items without explanation.
• A young person who suddenly drops off the radar.

• Have a low threshold, be visible and approachable.
• Make criminal exploitation a topic of discussion, including at schools and in healthcare consultations.
• Join guest lecturers or prevention activities.
• Share info via school websites, youth organisations, and social media.

Do you want advice or report something? Are you having doubts about signals with a young person?
Then contact the police via email Meldmensenhandel@politiecn.com or call the anonymous tip line: 9310