Human Trafficking Spikes in Charlotte: Highways, Gangs and Labor Demand Fuel a 'Perfect Storm' for Child Exploitation

Human trafficking spikes in Charlotte as highways, gangs and labor demand create a 'perfect storm' for child exploitation

A sharp rise in human trafficking across North Carolina has alarmed experts and parents, with officials warning that criminals are increasingly targeting children. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, North Carolina ranked ninth nationally in 2024, logging 301 trafficking cases involving 580 victims.

Types and scale of trafficking

The Hotline's figures include sex trafficking, labor trafficking and other unspecified forms of exploitation. In 2024 the state recorded 145 sex-trafficking cases, 73 labor-trafficking cases and 38 cases involving both sex and labor trafficking.

Why Charlotte is affected

Experts point to three main drivers behind the spike: North Carolina’s extensive interstate highway network, high demand for inexpensive labor in agriculture and growing gang activity. "It really is kind of like a perfect storm," said Hannah Arrowood, executive director of Present Age Ministries, which works with the Charlotte Metro Human Trafficking Task Force. She noted that trafficking occurs everywhere—rural areas and cities alike—but that Charlotte's geography and economic dynamics increase its attractiveness as a transit and destination hub.

Toby Braun, founder of the American Special Investigative Group: "A lot of these traffickers are running victims and may start in South Florida. From South Florida, they go to Atlanta, and from Atlanta, they pass through Charlotte. Oftentimes there, they may put them in safe houses."

Braun added that victims are often moved on to other major cities such as New York or Houston. He and others say organized groups, including street gangs like the Bloods, have a notable presence in trafficking networks and use their resources to move and conceal victims.

Children disproportionately affected

Local data indicate the crisis is strikingly youth-centered. The Charlotte Metro Human Trafficking Task Force reports that in 2024, 48% of trafficking cases involved minors aged 15 or younger. From 2020 to 2024, Charlotte saw a 76% increase in reported cases of minor trafficking. In the Charlotte area in 2024, task-force figures identified 106 minors who were confirmed or suspected trafficking victims.

Demographically, the Hotline's statewide data show 214 victims were female, 63 were male and four identified as gender minorities. Residence-based commercial sex and domestic work were cited as leading venues for sex and labor trafficking, respectively.

Recruitment methods and reporting challenges

Advocates say traffickers are increasingly using online platforms to recruit and groom victims. "They connect through social media, gaming apps or dating apps," Arrowood explained. "Digital grooming often involves building trust—sometimes by posing as a romantic partner—before arranging in-person meetings that lead to exploitation."

Many trafficking crimes go unreported, and Arrowood noted a backlog of cases for local law enforcement: agencies often lack the personnel and resources to fully investigate the volume of referrals. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department declined to comment for this report.

What experts advise

Advocates urge parents, schools and communities to increase vigilance: monitor youth online activity, look for behavioral or attendance changes, and teach young people how to spot grooming tactics. Braun warned that traffickers are not always strangers: "They can be boyfriends or classmates. We've seen cases with coaches and people that you would never really expect—individuals who hide in plain sight."

If you suspect trafficking, contact local authorities or the National Human Trafficking Hotline for help and reporting resources.