24/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - Each year, over 500,000 persons fall victim to people smuggling, said Commissioner Franco Frattini on 21 September, making a video address to the participants of the Salzburg forum, in the Pleven region (Bulgaria). Eight home ministers were present at the forum. According to European Commission statistics, 80% of the victims of the trade in people are women, and 50% are under age. (bc)