An Analysis of the Detection and Conviction Rate of Human Trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago

• In Event: Criminology of Mobility. Panel 8. Detection of trafficking in human beings and conviction of the perpetrators

Abstract

Human trafficking has emerged as a global phenomenon and an international threat. In the Caribbean, there is limited research and analysis on human trafficking and almost none on Trinidad and Tobago. Although there are global reports identifying states with low prosecution and conviction rates for human trafficking cases, there is little empirical research conducted to determine the challenges faced by countries in the prosecution of such cases. This paper will therefore review the detection rate of human trafficking cases in Trinidad and Tobago for 2013-2022 and offer solutions to the challenges faced in detecting this transnational crime. In the context of this paper which specifically examines the detection rates of human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago, quantitative data analysis was conducted on secondary data. Challenges encountered in investigating cases of human trafficking, recommendations aimed at increasing the detection rate and potentially securing prosecutions of human trafficking cases in Trinidad and Tobago will be provided and discussed.

Authors

• Casandra Harry, The University of Trinidad and Tobago

• April Holder, The University of the West Indies

• Alana Wheeler, Independent Researcher