International Journal of General Systems
Volume 41, Issue 8, 2012, Pages 774-804

Semi-automated knowledge discovery: Identifying and profiling human trafficking (Article)

Poelmans J.* , Elzinga P. , Ignatov D.I. , Kuznetsov S.O.
  • a Faculty of Business and Economics, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 69, 3000, Leuven, Belgium, National Research University, Higher School of Economics (HSE), Pokrovskiy bd. 11, 101000, Moscow, Russian Federation
  • b Amsterdam-Amstelland Police, James Wattstraat 84, 1000 CG, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • c National Research University, Higher School of Economics (HSE), Pokrovskiy bd. 11, 101000, Moscow, Russian Federation
  • d National Research University, Higher School of Economics (HSE), Pokrovskiy bd. 11, 101000, Moscow, Russian Federation

Abstract

We propose an iterative and human-centred knowledge discovery methodology based on formal concept analysis. The proposed approach recognizes the important role of the domain expert in mining real-world enterprise applications and makes use of specific domain knowledge, including human intelligence and domain-specific constraints. Our approach was empirically validated at the Amsterdam-Amstelland police to identify suspects and victims of human trafficking in 266,157 suspicious activity reports. Based on guidelines of the Attorney Generals of the Netherlands, we first defined multiple early warning indicators that were used to index the police reports. Using concept lattices, we revealed numerous unknown human trafficking and loverboy suspects. In-depth investigation by the police resulted in a confirmation of their involvement in illegal activities resulting in actual arrestments been made. Our human-centred approach was embedded into operational policing practice and is now successfully used on a daily basis to cope with the vastly growing amount of unstructured information. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Human trafficking semi-automated knowledge discovery formal concept analysis

Index Keywords

Netherlands Concept Lattices Enterprise applications Semi-automated Domain experts Iterative methods Domain knowledge human trafficking Formal concept analysis Police reports Domain specific In-depth investigation crime Illegal activities Human intelligence Early warning indicators Activity report Information analysis
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84867380440&doi=10.1080%2f03081079.2012.721662&partnerID=40&md5=28edfffc18ee111201cf3f0db9e97de8
DOI: 10.1080/03081079.2012.721662
ISSN: 03081079
Cited by: 8
Original Language: English