Our teams around the world are on the front lines of the fight against human trafficking, working tirelessly to stop exploitation before it happens. We love sharing their incredible stories! These recent accounts highlight real people who faced the threat of trafficking—and how our teams stepped in to protect them just in time.
Burkina Faso: 14 Young Men Intercepted Before Falling into Labor Trafficking
A team of monitors in Burkina Faso intercepted 14 young men, ages 14–22, just before they were trafficked to the Ivory Coast for illegal labor. Their quick action prevented these individuals from becoming victims of exploitation.
The group had been recruited by a trafficker who accompanied them from their village to Bobo Dioulasso. To evade authorities, the trafficker abandoned them at a transit station and instructed a bus conductor to take them across the border. He planned to reunite with them in Abidjan—an area notorious for human trafficking and forced labor in illegal gold mines.
Monitors identified the red flags: the young men were unfamiliar with their surroundings, appeared disoriented, and were waiting in a remote corner of the station. After questioning, it became clear they were at high risk of trafficking. The team quickly intervened, educating them about the dangers they faced and ensuring their safe return home.
During this process, several of the young men made a life-changing decision to follow Christ. Thanks to the vigilance of our team, 14 lives were not only protected from trafficking but also given a new path forward.
South Asia: Team Intercepts 17-Year-Old Girl Being Lured Across Border with False Promise of Marriage
Staff stopped 17-year-old Sareeta* for questioning while she was attempting to cross the border with a 24-year-old man named Pramod*. Initially, Sareeta claimed that Pramod was her uncle and that she was traveling for medical treatment.
When our staff contacted Sareeta’s mother, she was unaware of Sareeta’s travel plans and said her daughter had left home that morning, claiming she was going shopping. Eventually, Sareeta admitted that she was planning to travel to the neighboring country to marry Pramod. Further investigation revealed that Pramod was hiding the fact that he was already married.
Given that Sareeta was a minor, traveling out of the country for the first time with a married man who had lured her with promises of marriage, our team intercepted her. She was taken to a shelter for counseling and later returned safely to her home. Unfortunately, no legal action could be taken against Pramod as Sareeta’s family was unwilling to pursue a case.
Namibia: Airport Monitors Prevent 22-Year-Old Woman from Falling Victim to Trafficking
At an airport in Namibia, our monitors intercepted Maria*, a 22-year-old woman about to board a flight to Abu Dhabi under suspicious circumstances. She had been promised a job in hospitality, but key red flags quickly emerged during questioning.
Maria only had a one-way ticket and lacked a formal employment contract. She admitted she knew little about the job, the employer, or what to expect upon arrival. Without legal protections or a contingency plan, she was highly vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.
Recognizing the danger, our team provided Maria with immediate counseling on the risks of fraudulent overseas job offers—especially in the hospitality sector, where traffickers frequently target job seekers. They arranged for her to stay in a shelter while the case was further investigated.
Through this swift intervention, Maria was safeguarded from potential exploitation, empowered with knowledge about trafficking risks, and supported in making informed decisions for her future.
Rwanda: 16-Year-Old Boy Intercepted Before Potential Trafficking
At a bus stop in Rwanda, our monitors noticed Jean-Claude*, a 16-year-old boy sitting alone, looking lost and unfamiliar with his surroundings. Concerned, the team approached him to ask about his travel plans.
Jean-Claude shared that he was heading to Kigali because a neighbor had promised to connect him with a job opportunity. Coming from a difficult home situation, he saw this as his chance for a better future. However, he had no clear details about the job, employer, or living arrangements—key red flags for labor exploitation and trafficking.
Recognizing the risk, the team counseled Jean-Claude on the dangers of traveling alone for unverified work. They explained how traffickers often prey on young job seekers, luring them with false promises. Understanding the risks, Jean-Claude agreed to abandon his trip, and the team referred him to local authorities for further support and protection.
Burundi: Four Minor Girls Intercepted—Suspected Trafficker Arrested!
An informant alerted our team about four young girls, ages 12–14, stranded at a transit station, appearing distressed and unsure of what to do. The girls had been recruited by a man who promised them domestic work in Bujumbura. However, upon arrival at the station, the recruiter failed to meet them, leaving them vulnerable and at risk.
After waiting for hours, the girls became overwhelmed and called for help. An informant quickly contacted the team, who arrived on site to assess the situation. Acting swiftly, they called the recruiter to verify his intentions. After a long delay, a young male suspect finally appeared to pick up the girls. With the support of the police, he was immediately arrested, and an investigation was launched.
The suspect later denied recruiting the girls, but the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious concerns about potential trafficking. Our team counseled the minors on the dangers of human trafficking and assisted them in safely returning home.
Thank you!
We can’t thank you enough for standing with us against injustice and helping to protect these precious lives! Together, we’re pushing back against the evil of human trafficking, one life at a time.
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*All data and statistics current at the date and time of publishing. Names and specific locations excluded for privacy and security purposes.
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