What is Forced Criminality

Author(s): IRC Anti-Trafficking Response
Date: 2025
Topic(s): Introduction to Human Trafficking, Forced Labor

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References

Center on Crime, Race and Justice (2025). Understanding the Scope and Nature of Forced Criminality in the United States . Center on Crime, Race, and Justice.

Clark, M., Sharkey, T. C., Ayler, T., Forliti, T., Friedman, J., Mariotti, M., … Martin, L. (2023). Modeling Disruptions to Sex Trafficking Networks with Other Forced Illegal Activities. Journal of Human Trafficking, 1–27.

Drug mules: Swallowed by the illicit drug trade.

EUROPOL (2024). Criminal Networks involved in the Trafficking and Exploitation of Underage in the EU. Document Ref. No. 1001370, EMCDDA. EU Drug Market Analysis 2024.

Interpol (2023). Warning on Human Trafficking-Fueled Fraud.

Roe-Sepowitz, D., & Gallagher, J. (2025). Forced criminality in sex trafficking situations: A focus on customer robberies. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 1–18.

Schidlow (2025). Forced Fraud: The Financial Exploitation of Human Trafficking Victims. Available at: Forced Fraud: The Financial Exploitation of Human Trafficking Victims

The Relationship of Drug and Human Trafficking: A Global Perspective,” European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume 18, Issue 3 (2012), pp, 241-253.

UNODC (2024). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024.

UNODC (2024). Key Indicators of TIP for Forced Criminality.

United States Department of State (2014). The Use of Forced Criminality.