Goa has recorded 15 cases of human trafficking in which 38 victims -- all adult women and Indian nationals -- were rescued. Goa has the highest rate of human trafficking cases per lakh population, the national crime records bureau report for 2021 revealed. According to the data compiled by the NCRB, Goa records one case of human trafficking per lakh population as against the National average of 0.2 cases. Human trafficking is the act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harboring, or receiving individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploiting them for profit. It is considered a serious violation of human rights and a form of modern slavery, a crime against humanity. A complex set of factors fuel human trafficking including poverty, unemployment, social norms, that discriminate against women, institutional challenges and globalisation. In 2024 Goa police have rescued 91 girls and women. Most of those rescued are in the age group of 17 to 34. In September, Goa police rescued three women from human trafficking. Four accused were arrested in Colva and Ponda.
