A Hawaiian-based group supporting victims of human rights abuses says the human trafficking problem is growing.
Recently a Samoan man was arrested in Honolulu as a part of a police investigation into human trafficking at massage parlours.
Dr Nicole Littenberg from the group Pacific Survivor Center says there are more slaves now than any other time in human history and one of the reasons is the global financial crisis.
"As poverty increases so does human trafficking. It's a very lucrative business. I think its second to drugs and arms trafficking and it's actually the fastest growing. Human victims can be sold over and over again, whereas drugs and arms are sold only one time. So it's extraordinarily lucrative for the traffickers"
Dr Nicole Littenberg says many victims are afraid to look for help as they fear the police may see them as criminals rather than victims.
