The factors of increasing the effectiveness of journalistic investigations in covering issues of combating trafficking in persons are theoretically comprehended. The content, forms and approaches of the materials of the press of Uzbekistan (newspapers Narodnoye Slovo (People's Word), Pravda Vostoka (The Truth of the East), Huquq (Law) and Russia (newspapers Argumenty i Fakty (Arguments and Facts), Mir Novostey (World of News)) are analyzed on this subject, the parameters of their compliance or non-compliance with the journalistic investigation are identified. According to the results of the study, it is found that in Uzbek publications classical journalistic investigations are rare, but there is a tendency to use its capabilities. In Russian publications, there is a steady tendency to conduct high-quality journalistic investigations that meet all the criteria of the theory and practice of the media.