Human Trafficking
Human trafficking has existed since the beginning of time. While we advance into the 22nd Century and have purportedly transitioned from human ignorance to a modern, educated society, human trafficking has exploded to epidemic proportions. It flows amid the winding fraudulent undercurrents of societal backdoors – among the so-called developed Western societies and worldwide (the MENA regions among the most prolific).
Supply and demand and above all, greed, means several top (and some world-renowned) organisations and institutions partake in human trafficking – commonly known as modern-day slavery. In June 2016 Jaqueline Judge and Darrell Houghton (egg farming) of Kent, were found guilty of exploiting six Lithuanian men, trafficked into the UK. These men lived and worked in appalling conditions, often went without food and were expected to defecate and urinate into bottles and bags. They were paid well below the minimum wage. Right here in the UK. This case scratches the surface – of both known and unknown cases. Worldwide, human trafficking is even darker.
The advancement of technology and investigations
The advancement of technology has proliferated and expedited human trafficking worldwide. However, this double-edged sword does have a silver lining - successfully investigating and prosecuting human trafficking rings and rescuing victims.
Organisations (and individuals) use social media platforms and websites to legitimise their presence. Often these organisations are disguised as recruitment agencies. Their target audiences are mainly individuals from poverty-stricken backgrounds, unskilled labour within Europe and worldwide and some, target skilled professionals. These groups may or may not be a registered organisation. They are, however, a well-organised criminal enterprise. Investigators will utilise digital and social media to uncover these criminal organisations. These individuals use social media platforms and websites found both on the dark web and the Clearnet.
Research skills identify criminal enterprises through how, where and when they advertise. Similarly, information is gleaned through interrogation of the organisation’s validity, who is involved, how long this enterprise has ‘traded’ and how many other organisations may be connected to the ‘who’. Importantly, diligent scrutiny of innocents who connect these organisations (comments, joined, likes/dislikes) reveals information that when analysed, will reveal patterns of criminal activity.
For example, family members and loved ones connect with the organisation leaving frantic messages about having not heard from their loved ones for several months. Others vent their anger about what their loved ones had disclosed before losing contact. Workers report appalling conditions, having their passports and mobile phones confiscated, suffering beatings and working from sunrise to sunset. The work was not as advertised, and they were moved around from place to place by waterways or land travel and these workers are not allowed to leave.
Investigators will use covert tactics to infiltrate these organisations as prospective job seekers or clients. Connecting with criminal enterprises, especially under the guise of a vulnerable and desperate individual, elicits open and transparent dialogue. By mapping and reporting on these organisations and individuals and collaborating with law enforcement, investigators play a vital role in keeping our communities safe and supporting law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice.
Author: Despina Mooney F/2235
