Prostitution in Iceland is thriving despite paying for sex being illegal.[1]
The police have stated that they do not have the resources to enforce the law. Consequently, a vigilante group called "Stóra systir" ("Big Sister") has been formed.[2]
A report published in 2017 by the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police states that prostitution had "exploded" in the previous 18 months.[1] The vast majority of prostitutes in the country are foreign.[1] Police believe prostitution in Iceland is partially tied to organised crime and human trafficking.[1] The police have also stated that it is currently difficult for them to combat suspected human trafficking because the alleged victims often refuse to cooperate with the police and testify or file charges.[3]
The country has become a sex tourism destination.[4] According to the police report, prostitution often takes place in downtown Airbnb apartments.[3]
- ^ a b c d "Organized Crime and Prostitution on the rise in Iceland". Iceland Monitor. 26 October 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
- ^ "Big Sister Watches Buyers of Prostitution in Iceland". Iceland Review. 19 October 2011.
- ^ a b Demurtas, Alice (14 March 2018). "Prostitution In Iceland Mostly Occurring In AirBnB Apartments". grapevine.is. grapevine. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
- ^ Hafstað, Vala (26 August 2015). "Sex Tourism a Problem in Iceland". Iceland Review. Archived from the original on 11 September 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2018.