LONDON, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The European Union is expected to widen its definition of human trafficking, an illegal trade affecting 2.5 million globally, United Nations experts say.
The definition the European Council and European Parliament are expected to adopt will include "instigating, aiding, abetting or attempting" in the offense, the BBC reported Friday.
Justice ministers agreed to five-year jail sentences for traffickers, bumping up to 10 years if there are aggravating circumstances.
Although changes don't affect Britain and Denmark unless they choose to opt for them independently, the other 25 EU member states will adopt the change within two years, the report said.
A conservative United Nations estimate puts the number of people, including the most vulnerable victims such as children, at 2.5 million globally at any one time with, criminals reaping profits into the tens of billions of dollars each year, the BBC said. UPI
