TIF Investigates: Arkansas, Oklahoma no stranger to crimes and arrests related to international human trafficking
- Dennis McCaslin
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
Today in Fort Smith - January 27, 2025 -Sex trafficking is a global issue, with several countries being significant offenders.
The United States continues to grapple with the pervasive issue of sex trafficking, with recent data highlighting alarming trends in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
According to the U.S. State Department, some of the worst countries for human trafficking include Afghanistan, Belarus, and North Korea. These countries have been identified as having severe issues with human trafficking, including sex trafficking, and are not making significant efforts to combat it.
In addition, the United Nations' International Labour Organization estimates that there are over 4 million victims of sex trafficking globally, with 99% of them being women and girls. The problem is pervasive and requires international cooperation to address effectively.
Arkansas and Oklahoma have become focal points in the national fight against this heinous crime.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there have been over 100,000 cases of human trafficking reported since its inception. In 2023 alone, the hotline received 30,162 signals, with a significant portion related to sex trafficking.
In Arkansas, a recent operation dubbed "Operation Obscured Vision" led to the arrest of four individuals involved in human trafficking across 12 locations, including Jonesboro, Russellville, Hot Springs, Rogers, Harrison, and Little Rock3. The operation, spearheaded by Attorney General Tim Griffin, identified 17 victims, aged 29 to 65, who were coerced into working in illicit massage parlors.
The raids resulted in the seizure of $70,000 in cash, Chinese currency, and a luxury vehicle. The victims, all Chinese nationals, were forced to work long hours under harsh conditions
Similarly, Oklahoma has seen a rise in sex trafficking cases. Law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly to combat this issue, with several high-profile raids and arrests in recent months.
In October 2022, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics received a tip about sex trafficking at a residence in northwest Oklahoma City. Feng Jiang and Jian Lin were identified as the people running the brothel. Jiang was arrested in New York, while Lin remains a fugitive.
On January 24, Christina Brown was arrested in Oklahoma City for her involvement in trafficking a juvenile. She conspired with Davante Milsap, who was already incarcerated, to traffic the minor victim
The state's proximity to major highways and its central location make it a hotspot for traffickers.
Organizations like The Dragonfly Home and the Oklahoma Coalition Against Human Trafficking are actively working to raise awareness and provide support to survivors. They emphasize that human trafficking can involve both sex and labor trafficking, often perpetrated by people known to the victims.
.Human trafficking can be associated with various industries, often hidden in plain sight. Here are some common ones:
Agriculture and Farming: Workers are often exploited through forced labor, with poor working conditions and minimal pay.
Construction: Many workers, especially immigrants, are coerced into labor with little to no pay.
Domestic Work: This includes nannies and housekeepers who are often forced to work long hours for little to no pay.
Manufacturing and Factories: Exploitation can occur in the production chain, with workers subjected to harsh conditions.
Hospitality and Tourism: Hotels and resorts can sometimes be fronts for trafficking operations.
Illicit Massage Parlors: These establishments often exploit workers for both labor and sex trafficking.
This ongoing crisis underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement, advocacy groups, and the public to combat sex trafficking and support its victims.
