Canada is gearing up to host the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament, and the federal financial intelligence agency is cautioning about the increased risk of human trafficking during major sporting events. The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (Fintrac) has issued a new bulletin advising businesses to be vigilant for financial transactions that may be linked to human trafficking for sexual exploitation or forced labor.
Fintrac, which identifies money laundering activities by analyzing vast amounts of data from financial institutions and other entities, shares intelligence with law enforcement agencies like the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP. In the 2024-25 period, Fintrac provided 316 actionable financial intelligence disclosures to aid in human trafficking investigations, identifying 538 individuals of interest and supporting 26 project-level probes.
The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will take place from June 11 to July 19, featuring 48 countries playing 104 games, with 13 matches scheduled in Toronto and Vancouver. Major international events like this can attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, increasing the risk of sexual exploitation, especially in areas near event venues and transportation hubs.
Traffickers may exploit the surge in demand for accommodations, nightlife, and commercial services during these events, utilizing online platforms and social media for advertising. Labor trafficking may also rise as traffickers take advantage of the increased demand for workers in various sectors like hospitality, construction, and security. Financial activities related to labor trafficking may be disguised within legitimate business transactions.
Businesses under Fintrac’s jurisdiction are required to report any suspicious transactions related to money laundering, terrorist financing, or sanctions evasion. The bulletin advises businesses to provide detailed information when reporting potential human trafficking activities. Signs of financial transactions linked to commercial sexual exploitation could include unusual patterns of hotel expenses and ATM withdrawals, particularly in host cities during late-night or early-morning hours.
Similarly, indicators of forced labor might involve frequent transfers between personal and business accounts or vague payment descriptions without a clear business purpose. It is crucial for businesses to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat human trafficking during major events like the World Cup.