  The cases of human
trafficking for sexual exploitation in which contact
between the trafficker and the victim ceases to be
face-to-face
and occurs through a virtual communication platform. / A.M. Costa Rica wire services photo |
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 Published Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Increases
the use of social networks
in human trafficking, expert says By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The covid-19 pandemic led human trafficking rings, or better known as modern slavery, to change its dynamic by further pushing their networks to become even more clandestine and private, according to Eugenia Salazar- Elizondo, Prosecutor Against Human Trafficking and the Smuggling of Immigrants. According to Salazar, this type of crime has changed during the current emergency, in which the confinement and cessation of some commercial activities are constant. Human trafficking is characterized by subjecting a person to different forms of exploitation; All of them have as a common characteristic of how the victim is subject to the decisions and the will of the trafficker. Globally, the most recurrent modalities are trafficking people for sexual exploitation and trafficking for labor exploitation, which both occur in Costa Rica, Salazar said. Statistics also show that there are more female victims over the age of 18 in this scourge, followed by minors: girls in the first place and boys in second place. This form of crime has always functioned in a more clandestine manner. "Today, due to this pandemic, trafficking of people is operating even more private," Salazar said. Most of this criminal activity is taking place on social networks, something that makes detecting and even reporting these types of crimes a little more difficult, according to Salazar. For example, the Prosecutor's Office mentions cases of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in which contact between the trafficker and the victim ceases to be face-to-face and occurs through a virtual communication platform. Salazar recommends for people to stay alert because it is common for traffickers to recruit people during an economic crisis. Because someone without a job, without money is an easy target by offering tempting working conditions and ending up in a situation of exploitation. For this reason, Salazar recommends to avoid becoming a victim to be a little suspicious and check in every possible way that the "perfect job offer" is real. The Public Ministry calls for citizens to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicion of irregular activity, especially if it involves minors. "There are signs, for example, when observing underage people in risky conditions who go out late at night or accompanied by adults. This should be suspicious, especially in the current context, in which we know that at a certain time of night people are not allowed to be on the streets," Salazar said. A report can be made based on a suspicion that a crime is being committed, no evidence of the alleged illegal activity is required. The complaint may be confidential by contacting the Judicial Investigation Agency through a toll-free number 800-8000-645, or email fa_tratapersonas@poder-judicial.go.cr. All complaints are confidential information and guarantee the protection of the identification of the person making the complaint and the people involved. ---------------------- Have you seen suspicious cases of human trafficking in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
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