Which action constitutes trafficking an individual?

The action of recruiting or transporting someone with knowledge of their involuntary servitude constitutes trafficking an individual because it involves coercion or deception to exploit a person for labor or commercial sex. Trafficking is characterized by the intent to control and exploit individuals, often using force, fraud, or manipulation. In this context, the individual engaging in this action is aware that the person they are recruiting or transporting is not participating voluntarily and is likely to face conditions of servitude, which is a core component of human trafficking.

The focus on the knowledge of involuntary servitude is crucial here. It highlights that the perpetrator is complicit in the exploitation of the victim, knowingly placing them in a situation where their rights may be violated. This understanding is essential when distinguishing trafficking from other actions that may seem altruistic or harmless, such as offering employment or providing shelter, which do not inherently involve exploitation or coercion.