New Trafficking Risks for Addicts

“Zoe” is one of the interviewees in an NBC documentary film by Emily Kassie on sex-trafficking and insurance fraud in Florida's fraudulent treatment centers.

By Jan Kubiac
Cape Cod Branch
Advancing Human Rights, Subcommittee on HumanTrafficking

Human trafficking is a form of Modern Day Slavery. Traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for purposes of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against their will. People who are especially vulnerable to being trafficked are those who are homeless, disenfranchised, or drug dependent. It is these drug dependent people who are experiencing a new risk when they seek treatment for their addictions.

Traffickers have established fraudulent halfway houses to defraud the government through inflated costs of meds, assessment tools, and treatments. Addicts do not realize these are fake treatment centers. Seeking help, they instead find themselves in extreme danger.

Hunting for Addicts (12.46 min.) is an NBC film by Emily Kassie depicting this tragic situation that is spreading across the nation. This is a disturbing film but it provides valuable insight into the vulnerabilities of young people who are addicted to drugs. Traffickers have a long tradition of using drugs to maintain control over their victims. Now these young people seeking help are coming right to their door, already addicted!

There are many other people who are vulnerable to these crimes. Please see this updated flyer from WILPF. Your awareness of the red flags of trafficking can empower you to report suspicious activity and might contribute to the rescue of a victim. Also read these Tips for Staying Safe Online

For more information, contact jankubiac@yahoo.com with questions or ideas.