Convergent Crimes

Sexual exploitation refers to the abuse or coercion of individuals—often women, girls, and other vulnerable groups—for sexual purposes in exchange for money, goods, protection, or other benefits. In the Caribbean, sexual exploitation is closely linked to human trafficking, gender-based violence, and social vulnerabilities that are often exacerbated by poverty, displacement, and organised crime. The same criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking may also engage in or facilitate sexual exploitation, using shared routes, resources, and corrupt intermediaries to carry out multiple forms of exploitation simultaneously.

The convergence of sexual exploitation with wildlife crime adds complexity to enforcement efforts by exposing gaps in inter-agency coordination and survivor protection. It undermines the rule of law and deepens community-level harm by preying on individuals who are often silenced or left without legal recourse. In some contexts, sexual exploitation may intersect with wildlife crimes through the coercion of individuals into trafficking or transactional relationships tied to the illegal wildlife products. These dynamics worsen existing inequalities and undermine both human well-being and the integrity of enforcement systems.

While the overlap between sexual exploitation and wildlife crime remains underexplored, it is an important area for further research and policy attention. Strengthening survivor support systems, addressing root causes of vulnerability, and fostering gender-responsive enforcement strategies will be critical in confronting this deeply harmful and often hidden dimension of convergent crime.