What is human trafficking?

According to the UN definition*, human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of people through the use of force, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation and profit.

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Human trafficking has three key elements: action, means, and purpose. First, perpetrators must in some way control or move a person by harboring, transporting, transferring, or receiving them. Second, this is done through dishonest methods: deception, abuse of vulnerability, force, coercion, or enticement. Third, these actions always have one purpose — exploitation.

Anyone can become a victim of human trafficking, regardless of sex, gender, age, or other characteristics. However, according to statistics, women and girls make up the majority of victims — as of 2023, they accounted for 63.4%**.

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It is important to understand that there are many forms of human trafficking, and most of them are not obvious. We might imagine literal abduction in a black car at night, but in reality, many crimes are disguised as innocent job offers, знакомства, or travel opportunities. Therefore, no one is completely immune.

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So we want to talk about common forms of human trafficking (including in Ukraine) and how to recognize them.

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*Human Trafficking. UN. — https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/human-trafficking.html

**63% of registered victims of trafficking are females. Eurostat. — https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/edn-20250730-1

 

Sexual exploitation

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This is one of the most common forms of human trafficking: according to 2024 data, it is the most frequently recorded in Ukraine*. It involves any coercive sexual acts for profit. Perpetrators force people into them through power, authority, or trust, often exploiting vulnerability. The benefits gained may be financial, but also social (e.g., reinforcing hierarchy) or political (e.g., control or blackmail).

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A common form is forced prostitution, where a person is compelled to provide sexual services without consent, while the money is taken by the exploiter. This exploiter may even be a partner or close person. For example, a partner may force a woman to have sex with “clients,” calling it extra income, while controlling finances, monitoring her, and using threats.

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People in difficult financial situations are especially targeted. Victims may be recruited through job sites or social media with promises of easy work (often abroad), such as accompanying wealthy individuals or working in nightlife. In reality, their documents are taken, their movement is restricted, and they are coerced into providing sexual services or participating in pornography. Young people without support are particularly vulnerable.

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Red flags:

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• Jobs in “massage,” “modeling,” “escort,” or “hostess.”

• Employers looking for a specific appearance/age.

• No clear job description, but high pay is emphasized.

• Pressure to sign quickly or hand over your passport.

 

Forced labor

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This is exploitation where a person is forced to work long hours in harsh conditions, often with little or no pay. People are lured with promises of easy work, training, and housing, but upon arrival, their documents are taken, they are threatened, and confined.

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Particularly vulnerable groups include refugees, internally displaced persons, migrants (especially undocumented), people from rural areas, minors, and those in financial hardship.

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Forced labor can include physical labor, illegal activities (e.g., drug production), work in entertainment, or forced begging. Customers may not even realize workers are being exploited.

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Red flags:

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• Vague job description with no company details.

• No official communication channels; only anonymous messaging.

• Requests for upfront payment (housing, travel, etc.).

• Presence of unclear “intermediaries.”

• Promises of housing/food without details.

 

Analytical report on trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation in Ukraine: general editors: K. A. Borozdina, V. O. Bulavin, H. H. Zhukovska, O. V. Rykun, K. B. Levchenko. Kyiv: FOP Moroz A.T., 2025. — 80 p. — full report

 

Domestic slavery

 

This is similar to forced labor but occurs in a private household. It is not regular domestic work with fair pay and freedom to leave. It is exploitation where a person is forced to work excessively while being deprived of basic rights.

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Victims may cook, clean, care for children or animals, or perform heavy labor with little or no pay. They are often restricted in movement, have documents taken away, and live in poor conditions without privacy.

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Red flags:

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• Job in a private home without clear duties.

• Promises to “become part of the family.”

• Expanding responsibilities and rules.

• Excessive workload justified by providing housing.

• No formal contract, only vague promises.

 

Exploitation for criminal activity

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People may be coerced into illegal activities, which increases control and intimidation. Victims may be forced to steal, commit fraud, produce or distribute drugs, or even assist in trafficking others.

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They may also be used in financial crimes: their documents or bank accounts are used so that they appear legally responsible.

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Red flags:

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• High pay for vague tasks.

• Requests for personal data, bank access, or opening accounts.

• Tasks involving unknown packages.

• Anonymous communication, pressure, or threats.

 

Organ removal

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This form is often imagined as kidnapping and illegal surgery, but it can involve organized schemes in real medical facilities with actual doctors. It may be disguised as donation or treatment: people are manipulated, given false diagnoses, detained, underpaid, or forced to sign contracts.

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Remember: organ trafficking is a criminal offense in Ukraine.

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Red flags:

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• “Donation” is presented as a way to earn money.

• Lack of information about doctors, clinics, or licenses.

• Informal offers to “sell” an organ.

• Pressure (“someone will die without your help”).

 

What to do if you are at risk or witness human trafficking

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If you or someone else is in danger, call 102 or the government hotline 15-47.

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You can also contact:

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• 527 or 0-800-505-501 — National hotline on human trafficking and migrant support

• 0-800-500-335 or 116-123 — National hotline on domestic violence, trafficking, and gender discrimination

• 0-800-500-202 — National Police call center