Child Labor2024
Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 2024
United States
Forced child labor case resulting in landmark life sentence. Minors compelled to work under threat of serious harm Accused: Individual perpetrator.
1 source
The data
Documented cases
Every case on SlaveryMap, drawn from public sources and shown with its location deliberately generalized to protect survivors.
1,631documented cases
112countries
1981–2025years covered
631 of 1,631 cite a source · Updated
Child Labor
Matching cases
Showing 1–24 of 275
Child Labor2023
Kigali, Rwanda, 2023
Rwanda RW
Refugee children in Rwanda, particularly those from DRC and Burundi, are highly vulnerable to trafficking. Researchers report that some parents in refugee camps receive money in exchange for their children’s work in domestic service or commercial sex. Traffickers also deceive families with false promises of better opportunities and exploit children in domestic servitude.
1 source
Child Labor2020
Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 2020
United States US
A 16-year-old Mexican worker recruited through a church youth program died on a Nashville construction site in 2020. His family's attorney alleged that the construction company engaged in human trafficking by recruiting young Mexican men for hazardous work, in violation of child labor laws.
1 source
Child Labor2018
Dakar, Senegal, 2018
Senegal SN
Human Rights Watch and the Platform for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights documented the deaths of 16 talibé children in 2017 and 2018 from beatings, neglect or endangerment in Quranic schools in Senegal, and abuses in 8 of the country's 14 regions. Human Rights Watch estimates that more than 100,000 talibé children are forced by their teachers to beg daily, with quotas often enforced by beatings.
1 source
Child Labor2017
Lake Volta, Ghana, 2017
Ghana GH
IJM Ghana and Ghanaian police rescued 24 boys, the youngest seven, who had been forced to work in the fishing industry on Lake Volta, after months of joint work to identify suspected traffickers on the lake.
1 source
Child Labor2015
Ambato, Tungurahua, Ecuador, 2015
Ecuador EC
Children in Ambato were identified in situations of street begging and child labor, particularly in markets, commercial areas and streets. Authorities identified rural communities including Pasa, San Fernando and Quisapincha as areas from which children were coming into the city for these activities.
1 source
Child Labor2011
Detroit, Michigan, United States, 2011
United States US
Keith Goodwin was arrested for producing child pornography, and during the search of his residence three victims of child prostitution were rescued. Goodwin was sentenced to over 9 years in prison.
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2011
Hubei Province, China, 2011
China CN
Trafficker was a member of a 23 member child trafficking ring. Traffickers bought children from Yunnan Province, China and sold them in Hubei Province, China. Boys were sold for 40,000 ($5,860) yuan each and the girls for 20,000 yuan each ($2,930).
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2011
Lake Volta, ghana, Togo, 2011
Togo TG
The court, presided over by Mr Emmanuel Davis, remanded two others who pleaded not guilty in prison custody to reappear in two weeks. The decision of the court incurred the displeasure of relatives of the convicts. The rescue operation, which lasted about two hours, was met with resistance from some of the fishermen, while others ordered their ‘children’ to run into the bush on the arrival of the rescue team.
1 sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2011
Stratford, England, United States, 2011
United States US
Harrison, 32, who worked for Newham council under the name Charles Pepple, was today convicted by Woolwich crown court of conspiracy to traffick people for sexual exploitation, conspiracy to breach immigration law and false imprisonment. He received 20 years incarceration. The case is the first where children were illegally brought to the UK to be shipped off to work in the sex industries of Spain and Greece. After "grooming", the girls were sent to Britain on false documents and into the hands of Harrison. Harrison imprisoned both girls - aged 14 and 16 - at his home in Stratford, in 2009, before attempting to traffic them to Spain and Greece as prostitutes. The two had been controlled by Juju magic rituals. One of the girls was gagged and bound in Harrison's bathroom. The case is thought to be the first of its kind in Europe to involve a prosecution linked to such a practice. Both girls came from small villages in Edo, Nigeria, and were sold into prostitution with the help of the local Juju priest. Juju is a significant part of West African culture. Police said Harrison was a key player in a sophisticated network of West African people traffickers operating in the UK. After Harrison was convicted, the prosecution told the court: "This has been something of a unique case and ground-breaking. It's the first time there has been a prosecution for trafficking out of the UK.
4 sourcesArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Angers, France, 2010
France FR
"After a five-month trial, the jury sent three repeat offenders to prison for between 26 and 28 years. Other suspects were handed sentences ranging from six months suspended to 18 years in jail." A 28-year prison term was given to Philippe V, 59, who had already served a 13-year term for child abuse and was described by prosecutors as an "indifferent monster" who had, over the years, raped his daughter, son and four grandchildren. He told the court that he "couldn't give a toss" about his offspring. Eric J, an alleged ringleader, was convicted of raping 15 children and also given 28 years. The majority of the abuse sessions took place in the apartment of Franck and Patricia V, Philippe V's son and former daughter-in-law, with whom he was living. Franck V, 36, was sentenced to 18 years for the rape of 14 children, including his own two daughters and young son. Patricia, 32, his now ex-wife, was found guilty of raping one of her daughters and of prostituting her other two children, and was given 16 years
1 sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Awoshie, Accra, Ghana, 2010
Ghana GH
Three suspects were arrested for attempting to purchase a one-year old baby.
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Bartlett, Tennessee, United States, 2010
United States US
Yes. Police were called on May 11th 2010. A report was filed. Pictures were taken. MPD does not want to support it's victims.
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Bolgatanga, Ghana, 2010
Ghana GH
The traffickers were taking children from Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana to Accra. The 29 children, ages 2-19, were intercepted at Tamale aboard a passenger bus bound for Accra.
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Central Region, Ghana, 2010
Ghana GH
Two men were driving 118 children from Akumfi Ekupoanu in Ghana's Central Region. They were intercepted at Half-Assim in the Western Region, heading west.
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Citrus Heights, California, United States, 2010
United States US
STEPHEN MCKESSON, 24, of Citrus Heights, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. to 235 months in prison and restitution of $20,000 for sex trafficking of children by force, fraud, or coercion. MCKESSON pleaded guilty on May 19, 2009. MCKESSON pleaded guilty to transporting the victim, a 16-year-old Sacramento female, from Sacramento to Redwood City for the purpose of prostitution. The defendant had met this victim when she was 13 and he was approximately 16 years of age. When she was no older than 14, the defendant convinced the victim to work as a prostitute by telling her that if she loved him, she would prostitute for him. The victim worked as a prostitute for the defendant off and on for parts of the next five years, giving him all of the money that she earned through prostitution. The victim would travel to other cities in California and go door-to-door in certain apartment buildings while working for MCKESSON. On many occasions, the victim had run away from home, and each time that she was contacted by law enforcement and taken into custody, MCKESSON would convince her to leave her foster home to return to prostitution. MCKESSON used force to manipulate the victim into working for him as a prostitute. The violence began with relatively minor physical contact. Over time, his level of violence toward his victim increased, progressing to kicking and beating her in the head. The victim continued to work for him until 2008 at which time the violence had progressed to forcible sodomy and rape. The victim stated that she continued to work for him because he threatened to take her two children.
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Johannesburg CBD, South Africa, 2010
South Africa ZA
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) chief David Tembe is willing to take action. When the journalists from Carte Blanche spoke to Tembe, he said, “As JMPD, we will work hand-in-hand to assist in bringing this to justice. Whatever investigation that you have done, please let us know so that I can contact crime intelligence from the SAPS and we'll work together to ensure that this comes to an end.” The Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities was also shocked by this investigation. Nolu Thando Mayende-Sibiya (Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities) commented: “We are going to ensure that there is a full investigation into the issues challenging the people here. I must say, we are concerned about what is happening. The problem is bigger than what it seems.”
1 sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Kampala, Uganda, 2010
Uganda UG
A 16 year old girl was promised that she would be taken back to school by her aunt. Instead she was forced to be a house servant. She was often beaten and denied food when she didn't complete her tasks.
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Kiboga, Uganda, 2010
Uganda UG
A 13 year old girl was taken from her grandmother by her older sister. She was forced to clean the clothes, house, dishes, and salon. She was denied food if she didn't finish her tasks.
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Klakiso, Uganda, 2010
Uganda UG
A 14 year old girl was promised school money by her aunt. When she started working for her, she was forced to carry water, care for the baby, and care for the chickens for no pay. She was often denied food and beaten.
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 2010
United States US
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Jane W. Duke, and Thomas J. Browne, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced today that Everett Cooney was sentenced by United States Chief Judge J. Leon Holmes to 90 months' imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release on a federal charge of sex trafficking an underage female. . Cooney’s co-defendant, Tommy Handy, plead guilty to a charge of sex trafficking on October 23, 2009. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the pending indictment was dismissed. Handy’s plea exposes him to a minimum of 10 years' and up to life imprisonment. He is awaiting sentencing by the court. Handy remains in custody pending his sentencing.
1 sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 2010
United States US
Porter and Young ran the place and hired the strippers according to police. Neighbors were surprised by the arrests and describe the Patterson Square center as ‘industrial' and mostly commercial businesses. Undra Gaines works across the street from the club and said when he heard about it he thought it was, "Pitiful, disgusting, the reason why I say that is because minors were involved." Many in the neighborhood knew about the parties thrown there, but say they never thought underage girls participated in the parties. "I've been invited to the place several times, but never did go," said Devin Coleman who works across the street from the ‘Party Room'. He said he thought they were, "‘Grown up' parties, you know what I'm saying ‘grown up parties', I'm being honest with you, that's what everyone thought." The door at 5608 Patterson Road reads, ‘Every Event Help Kids'. The establishment that is right beside the club shows a sign of Porter as the face of a group called "Survivors of Murdered Children". "It's a very difficult situation and in this case it's probably not over yet, we're still investigating, probably more charges are coming," said Little Rock Police Department Spokesperson, Lt. Terry Hastings. Many who worked just doors down from the illegal club said they had no idea a joint like this was in their area. Rick Howell works at an alarm company in the complex and said, "It goes to show you never know what's going on with your neighbors." The owners, Porter and Young face a slew of charges including endangering the welfare of a minor and promoting a child in a sexual performance.
Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
Maputo, Mozambique, 2010
Mozambique MZ
Had 15 children locked in a house, lacking proper conditions for children to live. The trafficker claimed that he was running a house for religious instruction, though it is not registered with the government.
1 sourceArchive 2008–2016
Child Labor2010
New Jersey, United States, 2010
United States US
Afolabi was arrested in 2007 after a victim told her story to ICE agents. The news article detailing the story is below: http://www.usafricaonline.com/afolabi-trafficking-girls-togo-ghana/ Ms Afolabi convicted in New Jersey for trafficking girls from Togo, Ghana Posted by admin on Oct 24th, 2009 and filed under INSIGHTS, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry New Jersey-based woman convicted for trafficking girls from Togo, Ghana; her lawyer says jury misunderstood culture while prosecutor says it’s violent abuse of teens…. Special to USAfrica The Newspaper, Houston, USAfricaonline.com and CLASS magazine and The Black Business Journal After deliberating less than five hours, a federal jury has convicted a West African woman of running a human-trafficking operation that smuggled girls from Togo and Ghana and forced them to work without pay at hair-braiding salons in New Jersey. Akouavi Kpade Afolabi silently wept and bowed her head as the jury foreman announced she was guilty of all 22 counts, including conspiracy to commit forced labor, smuggle illegal aliens and visa fraud. The once-prosperous jewelry and textile merchant recruited more than 20 girls and young women from impoverished African villages with the promise of a better life in America, authorities said. But once the women arrived, Afolabi forced them to braid hair for up to 14 hours a day at salons in Newark and East Orange in a case investigators equated to modern-day slavery. “The evidence presented at trial revealed that these young women — some as young as 10-years old — endured unconscionable indignities,” U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said. “The defendant ruled over her victims with threats, violence, even voodoo curses.” The trial underscored the pervasive problem of human trafficking in New Jersey, where crowded highways, ports and large immigrant communities make it easy to ship and conceal victims, authorities said. During four weeks of testimony, several victims told jurors how Afolabi confiscated their passports, beat them and used a voodoo ritual to frighten them into believing they would go insane if they escaped. They were barred from attending school, learning English, making friends or dating. Several were sexually assaulted by Afolabi’s ex-husband and her son, who have both pleaded guilty. “Why didn’t you run away?” Shana W. Chen, an assistant U.S. attorney, asked one of the victims. “I didn’t know anyone to run to,” said the witness, Sroda Xedagbui, now 18. Afolabi’s lawyer, Olubukola O. Adetula, argued the charges stemmed from prosecutors’ ignorance of West African culture. In essence, he said, Afolabi ran an apprenticeship program, plucking the girls from poverty and teaching them a trade so they could find prosperity in America. She treated the girls, who ranged in age from 10 to 19, as if they were her daughters and imposed the same strict rules found in most Togolese homes, he said. “I don’t think the jury quite got it,” Adetula said. “A lot of what took place was cultural … But I respect the jury’s decision.” Afolabi faces up to 20 years in prison for several of the charges, but prosecutors could argue for more time. U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares scheduled her sentencing for Jan. 21. Her lawyer said he planned to appeal. Afolabi grew up poor in Togo but found success amid the teeming markets of Lomé, the nation’s capitol. She built two compound-like homes in the coastal city’s sprawling neighborhoods, where she ran a virtual “visa-fraud school,” coaching girls to trick embassy officials into believing they were spouses or children of people who won visas through a lottery program, said Nancy Hoppock, deputy criminal chief for the U.S. attorney’s office. Afolabi sat silently through most of the trial, listening to translators repeat testimony in her native language, Ewe. She raised her voice only once, screaming at her ex-husband, Lassissi Afolabi, when he admitted on the witness stand to forcing two of the women to have sex with him. Afolabi began smuggling girls into New Jersey as early as 2002, authorities said. She has been in custody since being arrested in 2007, when a victim told her story to agents for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. “ICE aggressively targets criminals who exploit or victimize vulnerable individuals who are looking for a better life in the United States,” said Peter T. Edge, head of ICE’s office of investigations in Newark. During brief interviews today, jurors said the quick verdict stemmed from the victims’ convincing testimony. Adetula’s cultural argument simply didn’t stack up, they said. “There is no real cultural misunderstanding about forcing someone to work and not paying them,” said one juror, who declined to give his name. ref: New Jersey Real-Time News ——
1 sourceArchive 2008–2016