The maritime industry’s lack of stringent regulation has created fertile ground for illicit trading to thrive. And in the harsh reality of human trafficking at sea, thousands of workers from the Global South are lured into modern slavery aboard "dark ships." Panelists share investigative techniques that cover how to connect with sources, verify data, and conduct field reporting to expose forced labor on fishing vessels, illegal recruitment schemes, and seafarer abandonment. Through case studies, participants learn to investigate the companies, ship owners, and regulatory gaps perpetuating maritime exploitation.