A background graphic

Cutting-edge research, data analysis, and coalition building to combat human trafficking networks.

Featured Research

What is the Illicit Massage Industry?

The Illicit Massage Industry (IMI) is one of the largest - and most networked - sex trafficking markets in the United States. We assess the IMI is made up of over 10,000 illicit massage businesses (IMBs) across all 50 states.

Read On...
Case Study

Lafayette, LA – IMI Case Study

On February 12, 2019, after a 17-month investigation, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office raided five massage parlors, arresting eight owner/operators on charges of human trafficking and prostitution. In addition to the five IMBs, police searched three residences, confiscating $50,000 in cash, five vehicles, jewelry, phones, computers, and...

Read On...
Case Study

Seattle, WA – IMI Case Study

On February 28, 2019, after a three-year investigation, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) raided eleven massage parlors, arresting five owners/operators, and freeing 26 victim workers. The takedown focused on the Chinatown-International district, Beacon Hill and Sodo. Six people were charged with varying counts of promoting prostitution and...

Read On...

We are an intelligence-driven research organization focused on disrupting the human trafficking business model.

U.S. Cities Initiative

In partnership with International Justice Mission, we’re working broadly with the Dallas community to implement effective disruption strategies from multiple vantage points. We all have a part to play in ensuring illicit massage businesses can’t thrive in our communities. No matter your position, there is a part you can play.

Toolkits

Our toolkits empower citizens, community leaders and anti-human trafficking task forces and coalitions with strategic resources and promising, field-tested disruption methods to defeat the Illicit Massage Industry (IMI) and provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive services to victims.

Law Enforcement Toolkit

Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet Consectetur Adipisicing Elit Sed Do Eiusmod Tempor Incididunt

Learn More

Service Providers Toolkit

Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet Consectetur Adipisicing Elit Sed Do Eiusmod Tempor Incididunt

Learn More

Citizen Advocates Toolkit

Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet Consectetur Adipisicing Elit Sed Do Eiusmod Tempor Incididunt

Learn More

Policy Toolkit

Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet Consectetur Adipisicing Elit Sed Do Eiusmod Tempor Incididunt

Learn More

Meet the Team

Danielle Mendhein

Director of Data and Analytics
View BIo

Elizabeth Ranade Janis

Director of U.S .Cities Initiative
View BIo

Emily Cullum

Director of Communications
View BIo

Michael Limiero

Software Engineer
View BIo

Robert Houston

Founder/Director of Law Enforcement & Government Partnerships
View BIo

Sam Gillis

U.S. Cities Initiative Program Manager
View BIo