Nonprofit organization working with local businesses to spot human traffickers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hotels, such as the Marriott, have made it mandatory for every one of their hotel employee across the world to take training to learn how to recognize the signs of human trafficking.

Dr. Pat Krikorian, with Lily Pad Haven, a local organization that provides a network of safe houses and transitional services to help victims of human trafficking, said Charlotte is one of the top 10 cities in the country for human trafficking.

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"Trafficking is right in front of our nose and we don't recognize it,” Krikorian said. "Charlotte is a hub. We have two major interstates running through our city, I-77 and I-485."

The nonprofit organization that helps survivors is launching a new initiative to stop human trafficking. Their slogan is "Not here, not anywhere."

They are working with local hotels, spas, salons and strip clubs to let traffickers know their business isn’t welcome.

“Human trafficking makes over $150 billion a year,” Krikorian said.

Thursday's indictment of a former soldier charged with trafficking didn't come as a surprise to Krikorian.

Prosecutors said Cpl. Xaver Boston used hotel rooms for purposes of prostitution.

"Regardless of the fact that he pledged to take care of our country, he was soldier and he was a reserve,” Krikorian said. “Human trafficking is a big business."

Krikorian said human trafficking isn't uncommon, especially in high-end hotels. With Charlotte's hospitality industry bringing in more than $7 billion a year, she hopes employees can be trained to spot the signs.

"Most of the traffickers don't use those very bad motels because the perpetrators are not very bad men,” Krikorian said. “You can't look at them and see they're bad men. They're businessmen. They can be from any profession."

Krikorian said hotel guests should also be on alert for any signs of young women or children being trafficked.

Victims will usually avoid eye contact, not engage in conversation and may seem very nervous or afraid. Krikorian said it's important to report this information to police.

Cox Media Group