In attempting to analyze the trafficker's side of the trafficking triangle, it is useful to divide the subject up by examining three features or characteristics. First, we will review the nature of the overall trafficking operations that have developed, what we will refer to as Trafficking Networks.
Second, we will categorize those Trafficking
Networks according to the general focus or characteristics of their
operations. Finally, we will briefly consider the chief actors on the
trafficking side: the Agents and Recruiters.
Trafficking Networks
Trafficking networks for commercial sexual exploitation are
organized like a web of actors who perform different roles (recruiters,
owners, employees and other intermediary players) with the goal of
exploitation for material goods or profit. These networks are hidden
behind legal and illegal commercial companies, such as tourism,
entertainment, transportation, fashion, cultural, and the pornographic
industry of service agencies (massage parlors, escort services...), as
well as other markets that facilitate trafficking activities for commercial
sexual exploitation.
Obviously, because the practices are illegal, it is difficult to
identify trafficking networks. Nonetheless, the nature and range of
their activities and areas of operations can be inferred from a careful
examination of examples that have been uncovered by the media.
These inferences can be based upon direct assertions or upon
circumstantial evidence. For example, circumstantial inferences come
into play in the case of a Venezuelan flagrantly arrested in January
2001.
The facts clearly suggest that he belonged to a large international
syndicate, since his legal counsel, while headquartered in Venezuela,
also had offices in Margarita, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The
same case, however, also provides direct evidence that governments are
frequently complicit in trafficking networks.
Specifically, according to
statements given by Brazilian women who had been trafficked to police
in Roraima, members of the Venezuelan Guard were involved as
facilitators of being trafficked. Their vessels also serve as a
transportation service in the prostitution of young girls and a 'sexytaxi'
service. (North Region Report)
Other inferences can also be made. Many commercial
trafficking networks maintain contacts with international organized
crime syndicates. This has been verified by the detection of Mafia
groups (Yakuza, Russian and Chinese Triad, et. al.) working in Brazil
engaged in the international trafficking in women.
"International Organized crime groups such as those
associated with Russia, China, Japan, Italy, Israel, Spain,
and Mexico use 'tourist trips' and the Internet to sell girls,
relying on the complicity of some individuals from the
Civil and Military Police, as well as top model agencies,
child service agencies, and airport employees". (Rio de
Janeiro Report)
"...The way the Russian and Chinese Mafia work is very
similar. Here in Brazil, they have, let's suppose, a group
that works to lure these girls in. They are Brazilians who
have everything prepared in key places and attract these
girls. They draw up contracts to convince them and even go
to their family's home... Just looking at the operations, it's
perfect..." (de Janeiro Report)