Entrepreneur uses tech to combat human trafficking November 5, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News When David Niccolini learned that an estimated 70 percent of human trafficking survivors pass through hotels or motels at some point during their exploitation, the parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park saw an opportunity to intervene. Niccolini’s company, Hotel Shield, works with the hospitality industry to help identify suspicious activity and connect hotels with law enforcement in real time. The platform combines employee reports, guest complaints and, where legally permitted, technology that can compare faces against databases of missing children, wanted fugitives and registered sex offenders. Potential incidents are reviewed through an investigative process designed to separate false alarms from situations that may require police action. While Hotel Shield does not yet have long-term, peer-reviewed data demonstrating its impact, Niccolini said early results are encouraging. During a 2025 pilot involving five New Orleans-area motels over 10 days, the system generated about 30 red flags, half of which warranted further action or reporting. The company now operates in roughly 250 hotels, with Niccolini serving as CEO. Niccolini said his Catholic faith inspired his involvement in anti-trafficking work. After attending a trafficking awareness seminar in 2022, the entrepreneur felt called to respond to what he describes as an assault on the God-given dignity of the human person. His advice to Catholics is simple: “Don’t look away. Pray. And then do something.” “Help stop exploitation before it begins,” he said, “and help heal those who have already been hurt.” Email George Matysek at gmatysek@CatholicReview.org Also see: Inside Baltimore’s fight against human trafficking More local news Catholics make the case for care over assisted suicide Office of Black Catholic Ministries to host upcoming mental health retreat University of Maryland Medical System breaks ground on new outpatient care enter Dorothy Day’s granddaughter reflects on faith, social justice and dignity of all human life Archbishop Lori announces appointments of vicar for clergy, vocations director, pastors, vicars forane Josephites urge Catholics to defend civic participation of marginalized communities Print
Archbishop Lori announces appointments of vicar for clergy, vocations director, pastors, vicars forane
