As described in the advisories and other US government reports, human trafficking and human smuggling networks use a variety of mechanisms to move illicit proceeds, ranging from cash smuggling by individual victims to sophisticated cash smuggling operations through professional money laundering networks and criminal organizations. The illicit proceeds from human trafficking can include income associated with logistics, such as housing and transportation of victims, as well as earnings from the exploitation of victims. Human traffickers and smugglers often establish shell companies to hide the true nature of their businesses. Human traffickers and human smugglers receive payments in a variety of ways, such as funnel accounts and TBML (trade-based money laundering) schemes.

The U.S. Department of State reports that human trafficking generates an estimated $150 billion worldwide annually, with a significant portion of those funds passing through legitimate financial services. After drug trafficking, human trafficking is the 2^nd largest criminal industry in the world. One of the most effective ways to combat this crime is through a “financial crimes approach.” In this approach, financial institutions report potential cases, allowing law enforcement to differentiate the traffickers from the victims, document traffickers’ motives and knowledge, corroborate victims’ statements, and assist in identifying affiliates. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, between October 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021, their Office of Field Operations has seized $47,825,514. Globally, human smuggling data is not available as many countries do not track that information. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime, the minimum number of people smuggled around the world is more than 2.5 million annually. The estimated total of fees generated from smuggling activity worldwide is more than $11 billion per year which makes it a big business with high profits.