Human trafficking has long been a global concern and has officially become one of the eight national anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism priorities for the United States. As stated in the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network's (FinCEN) priorities, human trafficking networks use a variety of means to move illicit proceeds, ranging from cash smuggling by individual victims to sophisticated cash operations through professional money laundering networks and criminal organizations.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as modern-day slavery involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or commercial sex act. The United Nations reports that there are approximately 40.3 million people across the globe who are victims of human trafficking. This horrific crime enslaves men, women, and children of any age, race, or nationality.
At the border of Poland, millions of Ukrainians have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Approximately 90% are women and children due to existing restrictions on males 18- 60. They have been forced to leave their homes, losing access to essential services and, in many cases, their incomes. These conditions attract the worst type of predators and sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic slavery, and organ removal are serious concerns.
