Financial investigations
Trafficking in human beings is at its core a financially motivated crime. Yet, the flow of illicit profits and financial activities of traffickers remain among the least examined aspects of the trafficking process. Strengthening financial investigations can disrupt traffickers’ business model and return resources to victims.
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Following the money: disrupting trafficking networks
Human trafficking is driven by money. Criminals exploit people because it is profitable—and as long as the profits flow, the crime continues. That’s why “following the money” is one of the most powerful ways to fight trafficking.
Financial intelligence and investigations bring together private and public sector actors to identify trafficking victims and perpetrators, contributing to criminal investigations and prosecutions while undermining the perception that trafficking is a high-profit, low-risk endeavour. Financial flows hold crucial data necessary to trace trafficking chains, seize illegal profits, identify victims and perpetrators, and provide reparation for victims, effectively breaking the business cycle of human trafficking.
Following the OSCE Action Plan and its 2013 Addendum calling for enhanced co-operation on trafficking-related money laundering, the OSCE provides guidance, technical assistance, and frameworks through detailed recommendations to help participating States follow illicit financial flows deriving from human trafficking.
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