Human trafficking in the Kyrgyz Republic: how roadblocks, barriers, and methodological challenges transformed an investigation

Qualitative research allows for investigation of understudied and difficult-to-access populations. Yet, myriad factors can impact the investigative process, especially when the research involves marginalized populations in an understudied context, about sensitive issues shrouded in secrecy. Such is the case in an investigation of human trafficking in the Kyrgyz Republic. In this manuscript, we (1) delineate key challenges confronted in an investigation of human trafficking in Kyrgyzstan where no prior literature exists; (2) discuss key decisions made to overcome those challenges; and (3) explicate processes involved in data collection, study design, and in-field compromises that successfully transformed the investigation.