Human Trafficking Networks: A Social Network Analysis

• In Event: Understanding and Tracking Hidden Crime: Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking, and Rape

Abstract

Much work has been done in the years since the study of human trafficking took off in the areas of victimology, sociology, psychology, political science, international relations and others looking at the macro- and micro- causes of trafficking, largely concentrating on what makes individuals vulnerable, what societal factors make trafficking possible, and trafficker motivations. A smaller group of scholars has begun researching trafficking networks and their structures, their commonalities, and their differences from an operational and market perspective, which I argue is critical for those in law enforcement and elsewhere to identify networks’ vulnerable points and to disrupt their operations.

This paper is an analysis of a human trafficking network with at least one foot in the United States, using a combination of quantitative social network analysis and qualitative case study methods. This mixed-method approach is important because the quantitative SNA will highlight important links and ties in the network beyond a visual representation of links between members, while the qualitative analysis will fill in how the network functions and the specifics of different relationships. Data sources will include evidence gathered for trial and key informant interviews, among others.

Author

• Kristina Lugo, American University