Survivor of trafficking in the UK features on CNN
Trafficking
March 2025
Last week, Samara*, a survivor of sex trafficking, shared her story on CNN as part of their Freedom Project.
Samara was just 19 years old and pregnant when she was trafficked from Romania to the UK. She met the man who exploited her on social media.
Also interviewed in the clip is Stefan Coman (pictured), IJM Romania’s Partnerships & Advocacy Lead. Stefan shared, “If we want to see human trafficking decrease in our lifetime, we need to go after the traffickers.”
With IJM’s support, Samara helped build a case against the traffickers and testified in the trial. Four people were sentenced to up to five years in prison and ordered to pay compensation.
Today, Samara is a strong and resilient mother who is focused on her family’s future. With IJM’s support, she’s got her driver’s license and completed a floristry course.
Romanian nationals are among the most trafficked EU citizens, primarily for sexual exploitation. Last year, Romania passed several new laws aimed at cracking down on traffickers and protecting victims, marking a critical step forward.
There will soon be a vote in the Romanian Parliament on whether to extend the mandate of the Parliamentary Commission Against Trafficking In Persons.
IJM is also due to engage in critical consultations to shorten trial durations for trafficking cases in Romania.
Read more of Samara's story >>
*Pseudonym