Short Answer 
Human trafficking is a major global crisis affecting over 40.3 million victims, primarily involving forced labor and sexual exploitation, with profits estimated at $150.2 billion annually. Efforts to combat this crime are hindered by a lack of awareness, challenges in law enforcement, and corruption within trafficking networks.
Step 1: Understanding the Scope of Human Trafficking
The issue of human trafficking is a severe global crisis, with an estimated 40.3 million victims worldwide. These victims include women, men, and children who fall prey to forced labour and sexual exploitation. The trafficking often occurs from developing countries to more affluent nations, highlighting a disturbing trend of exploitation across borders.
Step 2: The Financial Impact of Trafficking
Human trafficking generates enormous illegal profits, estimated to be around US$150.2 billion annually. The profits from forced labour, particularly in areas of sexual exploitation, account for a significant portion of this total. The financial incentives for traffickers continue to drive this illegal trade, making it a highly lucrative crime.
Step 3: Challenges in Combatting Human Trafficking
Efforts to combat human trafficking face numerous challenges, primarily due to the clandestine nature of the crime. Accurate data on trafficking victims is scarce, complicating the ability to understand the full extent of the issue. Key challenges include:
- Lack of awareness and education on the issue.
- Difficulties in law enforcement and prosecution.
- Corruption and complicity in trafficking networks.