Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain forced labor or a commercial sex act. The trauma caused by the traffickers can be so great that many may not identify themselves as victims. Human trafficking is a hidden crime as victims rarely come forward to seek help because of language barriers, fear of the traffickers, and fear of law enforcement.
Under federal law, every minor induced to engage in commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking. Traffickers look for people who are susceptible for a variety of reasons, including psychological or emotional vulnerability, economic hardship, lack of a social safety net, natural disasters, or political instability. Victims are found in legitimate and illegitimate labor industries, including sweatshops, massage parlors, agriculture, restaurants, hotels, and domestic service.
The safety of the public, as well as the victim, is paramount. Do not attempt to confront a suspected trafficker directly or alert a victim to any suspicions. Provide your information to Crime Stoppers of Minnesota, and we will have law enforcement investigate suspected cases of human trafficking.
