Since 2010, the authorities have rescued 147 victims of human trafficking in Costa Rica.
In most of the cases, the victims are foreigners. But according to the National Coalition against Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking, 28 victims were Costa Ricans; which highlights the local traffic of people.
In 2016, the authorities have rescued 18 victims of human trafficking in Costa Rica. According to the United Nations Organization, the trafficking networks are operating in 124 nations, primarily for sexual purposes.
The most recent UN World Report on the subject stated that the trafficking intended to perform forced labor is increasing. 40% of the victims were abducted for performing strenuous work in agriculture, sweatshops, supermarkets, restaurants and domestic work.
According to the Organization, nearly a third of the victims of this crime are minors. At the moment nine countries have no legislation criminalizing trafficking and 18 countries have partial regulations.