NATA: Business Aviation Must Stay Alert For Signs Of Human Trafficking

Estimates show that thousands of victims of human trafficking are transported by air every year. 

It is a national and global problem.

Victims are recruited through mobile apps, Facebook, dating sites, mental health facilities, strip clubs, the streets and other locations, according to information from National Air Transportation Association Compliance Services. They can be any gender, age, race or nationality and come from any socioeconomic group. For every 10 victims detected globally, five are adult women and two are girls. Worldwide, traffickers exploit victims for sexual exploitation, forced labor or other forms of exploitation. In North America, the most common form detected is sexual exploitation.

Often, the transport of victims is associated with civil aircraft, “but business aviation and private jets have also been used as a way to transport victims,” Claudia Culmone, communications specialist with NATA Compliance Services, said during a webinar entitled “Human Trafficking: A National & Global Crisis.” “Some of these victims may be traveling with their trafficker. Others may be traveling alone.”

Public awareness is key. Employees working in the business aviation industry should be on the alert for red flags. But they also should treat each situation individually. 

“For example, maybe you’re working at an FBO, and you have a medical patient who may appear lethargic or under the influence,” Culmone says. However, “you may also have some passengers who are naturally shy or reclusive. So, for that reason, when you’re thinking about human trafficking and you’re watching for those behaviors, it’s always important to treat each situation on a case-by-case basis.” 

For example, someone being trafficked often does not have control of money or documents. But others who travel, such as the CEO of a large company, may have assistants that handle that for them.  

There are a variety of red flags, Culmone said on the webinar. 

Victims may: 

• Be subjected to verbal or physical abuse by the person they are traveling with;
• Show extreme fear;
• Appear lethargic or under the influence;
• Show signs of physical abuse or restraint;
• Avoid eye contact or be reluctant to speak with staff;
• Not be in control of money or documents; 
• Have few or no possessions with them;
• Not be free to come and go as they will;
• Not have appropriate information for an international flight. They may not be able to provide their destination, know how long they are staying or where they plan to stay. 
• Provide conflicting stories related to their travel or personal situation.
• Reveal to a staff member that they have been purchased or are being forced to work off an enormous debt;
• Say they are traveling for a new job but when asked, they don’t know who their employer is; 
• Be frequently monitored by another passenger or not be able to leave their side.

As a sign of ownership, some sex trafficking victims in the U.S. may have a tell-tale symbol, such as a dollar sign, rose, star, heart, moneybag or chain link, tattooed on the back of their neck, upper chest or arm. 

The Blue Lightning Initiative, a national public awareness campaign, provides education for aviation employees to help recognize potential human trafficking and how to appropriately respond. To date, more than 200,000 personnel have received the training. 

To report human trafficking to federal law enforcement, call 1-866-347-2423. To get help through the National Human Trafficking Hotline call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).