Human Trafficking: A Global Multi-Billion Dollar Criminal Industry

Human trafficking is the exploitation of people as property for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and organ trade. Human trafficking is a major crime industry, generating about $32 billion in revenues annually. Around the globe, the victims/slaves of human trafficking can be found in developed and developing countries, and in countries regarded as corrupt and not corrupt. This study examines the global scope of human trafficking and its negative affect on world society. This study tests the relationship between human trafficking and a country’s level of corruption. Results indicate that higher levels of corruption are associated with higher levels of human trafficking. Corruption though is only one factor in human trafficking; ultimately, ending human trafficking requires changing peoples’ attitudes and actions. Human trafficking exists because there is a demand for the products and services connected to it.

Keywords: Human trafficking, Corruption, Sex trafficking, Forced labor, Trade in organs, Human rights, Global issues, Public policy

JEL Classification: D6, D63, D78, F102, K14, K32, M14, Q1

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Smith, Katherine Taken and Russell, Hannah and Smith, Murphy, Human Trafficking: A Global Multi-Billion Dollar Criminal Industry. International Journal of Public Law and Policy, 2014, 4(3), 293-308. , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2316169 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2316169