Methods of Committing Human Trafficking Crimes and Concealing Their Consequences

Abstract

Background information: Human trafficking is one of the advanced international crimes that frustrates human rights and national security. Specific background: Though its legal and social aspects have been receiving a lot of attention, there is low emphasis given to integrated techniques employed in the commission and concealment of these crimes. Knowledge gap: The previous research is inclined to isolate these two phases, not showing the interrelation between them. Objective: The purpose of the research is to explore the ways of committing a crime of human trafficking and conceaking its outcomes and to direct their criminological meaning. Findings: The study finds that the perpetrators use methodical, purpose-driven behaviors which are affected by objective circumstances and also subjective reasons. Some of these are recruiting of victims, fake paper work, psychological pressure and hiding techniques like destruction of evidence and intimidations. Two major categories were determined, which were intellectual and psychological/physical methods. Novelty: The article proposes a more extensive definition of concealment, which dismisses its limited definitions, such as the definitions of evasion and masking, and defines concealment as being a part of the trafficking process. Implications: These insights will help in better planning of investigations, gathering of evidence, and legal reactions, as they provide a thorough view of the modes of trafficking, as well as how to cover the tracks.