Organized crime refers to a category of local, national, or transnational groupings that are highly centralized and run by criminals. The primary purpose of these groupings is to engage in criminal activity to make a profit. 

Organized crime groupings can take many forms. For example, they could be political outfits such as terrorist groups, separatists, or rebel forces. Some street gangs may also qualify as organized crime groups, especially with a centralized form of “governance.” 

Irrespective of the type of organized group, there will always be some form of illegal dealings with them, with the most destructive dealings being drugs and sex trafficking.

Why Sex Trafficking?

Most organized crime groups are in it for the money. Besides drug trafficking, human trafficking is the second most lucrative illegal business and a major source of revenue for organized groups. 

While there are many drivers to human trafficking, most victims of human trafficking are trafficked for prostitution. Human trafficking graduates to sex trafficking if the trafficker uses fraud, coercion, or force to compel a victim of human trafficking to engage in commercial sex acts or when the victim is a child.

Organized Crime and Sex Trade

There are two main ways organized crime gets involved in the global sex trade. One way is facilitating the transportation of victims of sex crimes, primarily women and girls, who make up 94% of the victims. 

The second way organized crime facilitates the global sex trade is by running brothels and managing the affairs of the victims of sex trafficking. Sometimes, the prostitutes take a small percentage of the proceeds. At other times, they are allowed the opportunity to redeem themselves from their sexual servitude by paying fees to the groupings.

Sex Trafficking Laws

Human and sex trafficking is a state and federal crime. If the offense does not cross state lines, then the case falls under the purview of the state and is prosecuted under state laws. If the crimes involve the transportation of people across state and international boundaries, it falls under the federal government’s purview. 

After a conviction for sex trafficking, you may look at hefty fines and jail time of up to 20 years. However, if sex trafficking involves a child, the penalties may be much higher and can never be less than ten years. 

The severity of the penalties can also depend on the number of offenses committed. For example, if a person faces trafficking charges for more than one person, they could face penalties for every individual case.

Accused of a Sex Crime? Here’s How to Get the Help You Need

Sex crime charges can significantly damage a person’s reputation, but it may not be as bad as getting a conviction. So if you are facing charges, even if you know you are innocent, hiring a lawyer to help you fight your sex crime charges may be a good idea.

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer specializing in sex crimes can be helpful in many ways. First, they will look at the case to establish its strong and weak points to ensure they give you the best outcome possible. Also, they help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your case. 

Even when you know that you are not guilty of the crimes you are charged with, it is a good idea to work with a lawyer to be on the safe side. 

Final words

Organized crime is among the significant drivers in the global sex trade. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable groups (women and children) are the main victims of human trafficking and sexual servitude. 

So, it is understandable why the law is stringent on these matters. However, getting an arrest doesn’t always mean a person is guilty of a crime, so it’s always best to work with a lawyer if you face such charges.

NCS
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