Criminal Uses of Cryptocurrencies in Human Trafficking Crimes

Abstract

The contemporary world has witnessed a technological revolution in the field of financial technology, which gave rise to cryptocurrencies as a decentralized electronic monetary system.However, this technological development has also entailed serious criminal uses, as criminal organizations have exploited the characteristics of these currencies to facilitate human trafficking crimes.This study addresses the conceptual framework of cryptocurrencies and human trafficking crimes by analyzing their definitions and distinctive features.It then provides a detailed review of the methods of using cryptocurrencies in various stages of human trafficking crimes, starting from financing recruitment and transportation operations, through collecting proceeds from the sexual exploitation and forced labor of victims, to money laundering and concealing criminal proceeds using advanced technologies.The study aims to uncover the technical and financial mechanisms exploited by criminal organizations in using cryptocurrencies to finance human trafficking crimes, analyze the legal and security challenges facing international counter-efforts, and offer practical recommendations to develop legal frameworks, enhance international cooperation, and introduce advanced regulatory technologies to confront this growing phenomenon.