Exposing a Vicious Human Trafficking Operation

Human trafficking is a $150 billion global industry, which remains severely underreported. One of the epicenters for this barbaric business is Western Africa, where lawlessness has reigned for generations. Fortunately, one man decided to go undercover to try and help take down the people behind these atrocities. On his own and utilizing only a $34 pair of glasses with a hidden camera, he put his life at risk. Four months and 6,000 miles later, he miraculously survived a journey into the darkest corners of humanity. HBH is honored to welcome, directly from Ghana, Emmanuel Azeteng Ayarick.Living in a two-room hut in Ghana, Azeteng noticed what many people around him had: migrants were disappearing. He knew full well that the people behind this apparent human trafficking operation were without question some of the most vile and wicked on earth. Nevertheless, in an act of unimaginable bravery he decided that, on his own, he would infiltrate a group of migrants to try and gather evidence which he could then deliver to western government authorities.Azeteng spent his horrifying investigation surrounded by the complete disregard of human rights and frankly human life. Daily, he was face-to-face with murder, gang rape and other atrocities. He was even sold into slavery himself, before an incredible escape.Human trafficking is responsible for countless deaths, including over 10,000 migrants in the Sahara desert alone, every year. Despite the fact that much of the world moved on long ago, over 24 million people still live in modern day slavery.We thank Azeteng for his time and his truly remarkable courage, as he is living proof that one man of modest means can make a difference.Thanks for listening and don’t forget to download, subscribe, rate, and review Heroes Behind Headlines.Resilience Podcast SeriesWe explore key challenges affecting civil society in Central and Eastern Europe.Listen on:   Spotify