S04 E03 Part 2: Human Trafficking in Online Marketplaces (Part 2): Exposing the Threats & Tools to Fight Back

In this episode of the Shadow Dragon podcast, Director of National
Security David Cook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-n-cook/)
hosts a conversation for National Human Trafficking Prevention
Month. The panel features: - Matt Richardson
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwrichardson/), Senior Advisor of
Intelligence and Child Safety at the Anti-Human Trafficking
Intelligence Initiative (https://followmoneyfightslavery.org/)
(ATII) and Head of Intelligence at the Canadian OSINT Center
(https://theosintcentre.ca/) - Daniel Clemens
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/clemensdaniel/), CEO and Founder of
Shadow Dragon - Elliot Anderson
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemmingrush/), CTO of Shadow Dragon
This episode explores how open-source intelligence (OSINT) methods
can unveil hidden threads of human trafficking by tracing repeated
text, phone numbers, and images in online ads. Experts from both
ShadowDragon and the Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative
(ATII) emphasize that ethical, transparent data collection is vital
for legal admissibility. They also stress the significance of
parental involvement—through open dialogue, clear device-use
boundaries, and vigilance for red flags like unsolicited gifts or
secrecy—in thwarting exploitation before it begins. Central to
prevention is the “stop, block, and talk” framework, which empowers
children to discontinue unsafe interactions, block perpetrators,
and immediately seek help from a trusted adult. Ultimately, the
episode underscores that deploying cutting-edge OSINT tools,
coupled with engaged parenting and community collaboration, remains
key to addressing the global crisis of human trafficking. Key
Takeaways OSINT in Trafficking Investigations: Repeated text, phone
numbers, and images in online ads can offer critical leads on
trafficking networks. Ethical Data Collection: Transparent, legally
compliant methods ensure that gathered evidence is admissible in
court. Parenting & Prevention: Open communication, device-use
boundaries, and awareness of red flags (like secretive behavior)
are essential for child safety. “Stop, Block, and Talk”: A
straightforward guideline that urges children to halt disturbing
interactions, block the user, and seek adult assistance. Community
Collaboration: Harnessing advanced OSINT tools alongside active
parental and broader community engagement is crucial in the fight
against human trafficking. Request to view ShadowDragon and CACI's
DarkBlue Intelligence Suite Webinar on using OSINT to find
indicators of human trafficking online:
https://share.hsforms.com/1dcl3pCneSpOAeQpkQFI66g53lw0 Special
Guest: Matt Richardson.