2026
Human trafficking - AnswersCompelling someone to work or engage in a commercial sex act
through force, fraud, or coercion.
Crime hidden in plain sight - AnswersVictims often blend in and are not easily recognized; the
public isn't trained to see the signs.
Victim of human trafficking - AnswersAnyone—regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sex, nationality,
or socio-economic background.
Where does human trafficking occur? - AnswersIn cities, suburbs, and rural areas—everywhere.
Difference between human trafficking and human smuggling - AnswersSmuggling involves
illegal border crossing; trafficking is exploitation and does not require crossing a border.
U.S. citizens as victims of human trafficking - AnswersYes, U.S. citizens can be trafficked just
like foreign nationals.
How smuggling can lead to trafficking - AnswersSomeone may agree to be smuggled but
become a trafficking victim through force, fraud, or coercion afterward.
Trafficking victims identified globally in the 2021 TIP Report - Answers109,216 victims across
187 countries.
Human trafficking prosecutions and convictions in the U.S. (2000-2021) - Answers2,250
prosecutions, 3,399 convictions, and 8,958 identified victims.
ILO estimate of trafficking victims globally - AnswersOver 24 million.
Profitability of human trafficking for criminals - AnswersHumans can be exploited repeatedly,
unlike drugs or weapons, making them reusable commodities.
Three methods used to commit human trafficking - AnswersForce, fraud, and coercion.
Examples of force in human trafficking - AnswersPhysical restraint, sexual assault, confinement,
or threats.
Examples of fraud in human trafficking - AnswersFalse promises about jobs, wages, love,
marriage, or conditions.
Examples of coercion in human trafficking - AnswersThreats, manipulation, confiscation of
documents, and fear tactics like deportation threats.
Statute criminalizing sex trafficking - Answers18 USC §1591.
Child sex trafficking under the law - AnswersForce, fraud, or coercion is not required if the victim