Traffickers may use messaging apps such as WhatsApp to advertise and coordinate sexual exploitation by sending photos and lists ('menus') of available individuals to potential clients.
November 08, 2025
high
general
Describes a common communication and advertising method used in sex trafficking operations.
Victims of sex trafficking are sometimes recruited through financial vulnerability and promised payment for sexual services but receive little or no pay, while traffickers retain the majority of client payments.
November 08, 2025
high
general
Describes a recurring economic exploitation pattern in commercial sex trafficking.
Traffickers commonly target children who lack consistent housing, food, or family support and may exploit those needs by offering necessities, creating debts, and coercing children into sex or labor.
high
behavioral
Describes common vulnerabilities and coercion tactics used by traffickers against youth.
Common coercive tactics used by traffickers include withholding victims' passports, threatening victims' families, using threats or force, and inducing dependency through drugs.
high
general
Frequent control methods reported by law enforcement and victim service providers in trafficking cases.
Shark finning is banned in many countries but continues in some regions due to weak enforcement and high financial incentives for traffickers.
high
trend
Explains regulatory status versus ongoing illegal activity driven by profit and enforcement challenges.