BIGOSINT - Countering THB through big data and OSINT analysis

ended

The migration of manifold components of the human trafficking chain to the internet has expanded the playing field of human traffickers. As emphasised in the UNODC 2020 GLOTIP Report, the web facilitates highly targeted victim recruitment, access to an infinite number of victims, anonymity for offenders and profiteers, covering the traces of financial transactions, and new, devastating forms of exploitation. BIGOSINT will develop and pilot advanced, intelligence-led tools to enhance investigations into internet-abetted trafficking in human beings (THB), directly targeting the diverse roles that the cyber-environment plays in the THB chain. As an extension of the EU-funded project UNCHAINED, BIGOSINT will expand the counter-THB tools with technologies to 1) enhance LEA access to, and monitoring of, open and closed environments online, 2) boost investigations into and understanding of cryptocurrency transactions. The tools will be integrated into the FAST platform, developed within UNCHAINED and adapted for the specific purposes of the BIGOSINT project, allowing smooth and secure data-sharing among LEAs and, using a different access-level model, between them and private entities involved in counter-THB operations. The BIGOSINT investigative techniques will be piloted for a period of 20 weeks, supported by innovative LEA training on implementation of the tools, the dynamics of internet-facilitated THB, and models for cross-border and inter-agency cooperation. Training will reach 100 LEAs from 3 pilot countries using the training of the trainer methodology, incorporating innovative virtual reality training, immersing participants in simulated scenarios based on real-life cases. National inter-agency teams will be established in 3 Member States and a Communication Toolkit will be deployed to support the protection of potential victims, and vulnerable groups in particular.