Officials in Finland are becoming suspicious that Roma street begging is linked to human trafficking. Women beggars have recently been seen handing over their earnings to men in business suits driving expensive cars.
"The only solution is to ban begging in Finland. This will also get rid of any associated criminal activity—be it human trafficking or theft," Zyskowicz to Yle Radio 1.
But Biaudet disagrees and says a law against begging will further disenfranchise the position of those on the street. Panhandlers may quickly turn to prostitution if they are left with no other options.
The Minority Ombudsman said she doesn't give money to Roma begging on the street.
"Because I know that the money isn't going to them. I don’t want it to be profitable for someone to keep these people on the street," she said.
