From Streets to Syndicates The Complex Reality of Begging Across Continents

In the busy and bustling streets of some of the developed nations of the world, a cold, silent but pressing problem emerges—begging, which is often seen as a sign of poverty or desperation. Many countries have criminalised it to establish public order. Behind-the-scenes begging is often linked to human trafficking, organized crimes and exploitation, where vulnerable people, including disabled people and children, are forced to beg. This tangled web of criminal activity appears to be a process of survival. Exploring why begging is considered a crime reveals not only ethical dilemmas but also legal frameworks and societal challenges.