Gang-involved sex trafficking of minors in the United States: Recruitment tactics, exploitation, and criminal networks

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

Gang-involved sex trafficking of minors is a critical yet understudied issue in the United States. This study examines the characteristics, recruitment strategies, and exploitation tactics of gang-affiliated sex traffickers compared to their non-gang counterparts. Using a national sample of arrests from 2010 to 2015, the findings reveal that nearly one in five sex trafficking arrests involved a trafficker with gang affiliations. Gang-involved traffickers were significantly more likely to use psychological and sexual violence, drug dependency, and social media manipulation to recruit and control their victims. They also demonstrated greater mobility, with higher rates of transporting victims across state lines and using online platforms such as Backpage.com to facilitate trafficking. Additionally, gang traffickers disproportionately targeted vulnerable minors, including those with histories of homelessness, foster care involvement, and prior victimization. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced law enforcement coordination, targeted policy interventions, and specialized victim services to combat gang-related trafficking. Future research should focus on the evolving role of digital technology in trafficking operations and the long-term impact on survivors. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted response that includes stronger criminal justice efforts, survivor-centered services, and policy reforms to dismantle gang-controlled trafficking networks.

Publication Title

Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment

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