As Canada gears up to host the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament, the national financial intelligence agency has issued a caution about the increased risk of human trafficking during major sporting events. The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (Fintrac) has released a new advisory urging businesses to be vigilant for financial transactions that may be connected to human trafficking for sexual exploitation or forced labor.
Fintrac, which monitors and analyzes millions of financial data pieces annually from various financial institutions, casinos, and money service businesses, identifies suspicious cash flows associated with money laundering. The agency then shares this intelligence with law enforcement agencies like the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, Fintrac made 316 disclosures of actionable financial intelligence to aid human trafficking investigations, identifying 538 individuals of interest and supporting 26 project-level inquiries. The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, will feature 48 nations competing in 104 matches, including 13 games in Toronto and Vancouver.
International events like the World Cup can attract large numbers of visitors, potentially increasing the risk of sexual exploitation. Traffickers may exploit the surge in demand for accommodations, nightlife, and commercial services near event venues and transport hubs. Fintrac warns that traffickers could use online platforms, classified ads, and social media to facilitate sexual exploitation during major events.
The bulletin cautions that traffickers may take advantage of heightened demand for workers in sectors such as hospitality, construction, and transportation, potentially luring vulnerable individuals with deceptive recruitment practices. Financial activities related to labor trafficking might be camouflaged within legitimate business transactions.
Businesses regulated by Fintrac are required to report any suspicious transactions related to money laundering, terrorist financing, or sanctions evasion. The agency recommends including all pertinent details in reports concerning potential human trafficking activities. Signs of financial transactions linked to exploitation could include frequent hotel expenses, late-night ATM withdrawals, and payments for online escort services made by a single account holder.
By staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities, businesses can play a crucial role in combating human trafficking during major events like the World Cup.