Trafficking in human beings and money laundering

The report analyzes the local and international regulatory framework that defines the concept of human trafficking and applicable punishment for human trafficking, as well as the case law in criminal cases of human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor. The report also includes summary of indicators identified in Latvian and foreign human trafficking cases. Finally, the study examines the most important trends in human trafficking in Latvia, as well as a general overview on the possible impact of Russian war in Ukraine on human trafficking risks in Latvia.  

As the financial sector plays a key role in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking, the study has been developed in close collaboration with FAST (Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking), a global initiative based at the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research that works to mobilize the financial sector against modern slavery and human trafficking.

The Financial Intelligence In cooperation with FAST on February 8 organized an international seminar in Riga on countering human trafficking and associated money laundering.  The main aim of the seminar was to identify concrete ways in which the financial sector can detect such crimes and providing support to national law enforcement authorities. 

Modern slavery and human trafficking affect all countries around the world, and it is estimated that the annual illicit profits from these crimes are $150 billion dollars. In the Anti-Trafficking in Human Beings Plan for 2021-2023, the Latvian government acknowledged that the number of people affected by this concealed crime is increasing rapidly, both globally and nationally. While the capacity to recognize and work with victims suffering from different forms of human trafficking is strengthened in Latvia, many other and new forms of human trafficking are reported at the global level.

“It is very good that the debate on modern slavery is being promoted in Latvia, and the institutions – both in the public and private sectors – are forthcoming enough to ensure dialogue and convey the message that we are prepared to work with the issue and are paying attention to it,” Daniel Telesklaf, Financial Industry Against Slavery and Human Trade (FAST) Financial secretariat and project manager, visiting Riga, February 7th of this year.