Article 23 — Slavery, Trafficking, and Forced Labour

In implementation of the prohibition set forth in Article 34 of the Fundamental Laws, this Article criminalises slavery, servitude, forced labour, human trafficking, and economic exploitation.

Any national who engages in, organises, facilitates, finances, or knowingly profits from any of the following acts commits an offence:

1. Holding a person in slavery or servitude.
2. Subjecting a person to forced or compulsory labour.
3. Trafficking in persons, namely recruiting, transporting, harbouring, or receiving a person by means of threat, force, coercion, deception, or abuse of power for the purpose of exploitation.
4. Economic exploitation of another person.

An offence under this Article is classified as a grave offence.

A person convicted of an offence under this Article is liable to the following sanctions, in accordance with Article 10:

1. A fine not exceeding $500,000.
2. Public censure.
3. Forfeiture of all proceeds derived from or connected with the offence.
4. Permanent exclusion from all State services.
5. Revocation of honours.

There is no limitation period for offences under this Article, in accordance with Article 14.

A conviction under this Article constitutes a conviction for “exploitation” within the meaning of Article 13(4)(d) of the Civil Code and bars the convicted person from appointment as guardian.