‘Truckers Against Trafficking’ Organization Fights Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery in America [The Underbelly of Evansville]

I'm sure you've seen investigative specials on TV about human trafficking and sex slaves.  It's been going on since the Roman Empire. Though human trafficking has never been the pinnacle of humanity, a new depraved twist on sex slavery will make any normal person nauseous.

Timothy Vafeades, also known as "The Vampire Trucker" as he had ground his incisor teeth into fangs has been accused of kidnapping 18-and 19-year-old women. He then held them prisoner in his truck for months at different points. He even went so far as to hold an older girl who was a relative in his truck, beat her and sexually assault her for over six months. Living hell!

Even more bizarre is the fact that his teeth obsession also extended to his victims. Vafeades ground down their teeth, cut them with an exacto knife and then would make them wear false dentures.

Finally, out of sheer luck, he was pulled over and arrested. One police officer heard beating on the wall inside the tractor's trailer.  Police say he had four other similar victims dating back to 1994.  His charges include child pornography in addition to the sex slave accusations. He is currently in a Utah prison serving a lengthy term.

The most astonishing thing is this is not an isolated happening. Truck stops are crossroads for human traffickers on the move. But, a group called Truckers Against Trafficking is trying to put an end to human traffickers using public roads to transport their victims by training truckers on the signs of human trafficking. TAT’s steering-wheel logo and urges, “Make the Call, Save Lives. 1-888-373-7888."

Truckers Against Trafficking Training Video (full version 26min v2) from iEmpathize on Vimeo.

This apparently goes on a lot, especially because prostitutes roam truck stops looking for work.  There are more and more stories about this. Click here and here to find out more.  And next time you're at a truck stop, keep your eyes open for anything out-of-sorts. You might save someone's life.