PROTEX warned of the increase in sexual exploitation in digital environments
Argentina has recorded significant judicial outcomes in the fight against sexual exploitation over the past decade and a half, according to statistics published by the Procuraduría de Trata y Explotación de Personas (PROTEX). The data show that since the passage of anti-trafficking laws in 2008, 410 convictions have been handed down for sex-related trafficking offenses across the country.
These figures are part of an ongoing effort by PROTEX to monitor and combat trafficking with a focus on protecting victims and ensuring accountability for those responsible. During this period, authorities identified 814 individuals who were convicted of sexual exploitation crimes.
The profile of convicted offenders shows that more than 80% were Argentine nationals, and the vast majority were male. Meanwhile, official records indicate that about 1,715 victims were identified in cases of sex trafficking during the same period, with most victims being women and around 9% being minors at the time of the offenses.
Emerging Challenges in the Digital Age
PROTEX reports that traditional enforcement efforts are being challenged by evolving methods used by traffickers. Among the most concerning trends is the rise of exploitation facilitated through digital platforms and online environments, which investigators say can spread visual content that becomes difficult to control once posted on the internet.
Legal and law enforcement experts argue that this underscores the need for innovative detection strategies as well as stronger international cooperation to track and prosecute trafficking networks that leverage technological means to evade scrutiny.
Archive photo: Claudia Conteris
Why These Figures Matter
The anti-trafficking law — initially approved in 2008 and later amended — provides the legal framework for prosecuting a range of organized exploitation crimes, including sexual exploitation. The number of convictions, while significant, also highlights the ongoing challenges in identifying and prosecuting traffickers in a country with a complex trafficking landscape.
Experts emphasize that continued attention, resources, and cross-sector coordination remain essential for both prevention and victim protection.
