WASHINGTON—The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is urging banks, credit unions and other financial institutions to heighten monitoring for potential human trafficking activity tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that the influx of visitors to host cities could create opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable people.
In a notice issued by FinCEN, the agency said financial institutions located in and around the 16 U.S. host cities should increase vigilance for suspicious transactions and customer behavior that could signal sex trafficking or labor trafficking during the tournament. The 2026 World Cup is expected to draw millions of domestic and international visitors.
According to FinCEN, while human trafficking remains an ongoing concern across the United States, large international events can create concentrated demand for both legal and illicit services, increasing opportunities for traffickers to operate. The agency said people living in or traveling to host cities may be particularly vulnerable to exploitation as economic activity accelerates around the event.
Strategies for FIs
The notice encourages financial institutions to:
- Review transaction activity and customer behavior for indicators consistent with human trafficking.
- File Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) as quickly as possible when potential trafficking activity is identified, regardless of dollar thresholds.
- Contact law enforcement and notify the National Human Trafficking Hotline when institutions suspect trafficking-related conduct.
- Ensure front-line employees and compliance staff are aware of behavioral indicators that may identify potential victims.
Red Flags Highlighted
FinCEN’s notice includes red flags intended to help institutions identify potentially illicit activity patterns and reinforce anti-money laundering and Bank Secrecy Act controls during the event period.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 through July 19, with U.S. matches scheduled in 11 metropolitan host markets encompassing 16 venues and related event locations, according to FinCEN.
DCUC Responds to FinCEN Advisory
Separately, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has responded to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s (Treasury) Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) Joint Advisory on Non-Work Authorized Populations and Their Employers and Risks to the Integrity of the U.S. Financial System:
“Credit unions have long served as trusted stewards of the financial system, balancing member service with a strong commitment to compliance and financial integrity,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel, said in a statement. “DCUC welcomes efforts to provide financial institutions with clear guidance and practicaltools to identify suspicious activity, strengthen risk management practices, and support the collective effort to combat fraud and other illicit financial activity.”
Jason Stverak, DCUC chief advocacy officer, added in a statement, “We look forward to working with regulators and industry partners to ensure credit unions have the resources needed to effectively fulfill these responsibilities, whilecontinuing to advocate for a risk-based, tailored approach that recognizes the unique challenges of smaller credit unions and avoids unnecessary regulatory burden.”
