Detection of domestic human trafficking indicators and movement trends using content available on open internet sources

Abstract

This study applies network analysis to domestic human trafficking activity in online environments to identify trafficking circuits. Numerous websites host online classifieds, discussion forums, review sites, and social media related to sex trafficking. Trafficked persons are systematically moved to various locations throughout the U.S. based on demand, and traffickers use online classified sites to advertise their victims. The goals of this study were to identify indicators of sex trafficking in online advertisements posted on open Internet sources and to derive movement patterns. Online classified ads for adult services in Hawai'i were collected over a six-week time frame and assessed for indicators of human trafficking. Data captured in the analysis was used to detect movement trends of potential trafficked persons and mapped to visualize domestic circuits. A key element in observing movement was the advertised phone number, as it is linked to the individual through online advertisements and customer reviews. © 2014 IEEE.