Follow the Money: Financial intelligence to disrupt modern slavery and human trafficking in South Africa

Two years after landmark report on modern slavery and human trafficking, this new study explores how South Africa's understanding and use of financial intelligence has evolved.

Produced in collaboration with SAMLIT (South African Anti-Money Laundering Integrated Taskforce), the report examines how financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement are moving beyond identifying trafficking indicators to using financial intelligence to detect, disrupt and support the prosecution of trafficking networks. It also explores emerging threats including scam compounds, AI-enabled recruitment, forced criminality and cryptocurrency-linked laundering.

Modern slavery and human trafficking remain among the world's most profitable and adaptive crimes. South Africa continues to function as a source, transit and destination country, with trafficking activity spanning sexual exploitation, forced labour, child trafficking and organised criminal networks. 

Building on 2023 research, this report shows how the focus is shifting from understanding trafficking-related financial flows to actively using financial intelligence to identify networks, uncover facilitators and support disruption efforts. Drawing on analysis of suspicious transaction reports, financial intelligence cases, World-Check data and expert insights, the report provides a current view of the trafficking landscape and the role financial intelligence can play in tackling it.

Financial intelligence is moving from insight to action

The number of modern slavery and human trafficking-related financial intelligence reports increased by 305%, from 21 reports in the first study period to 85 reports between 2022 and 2024. The analysis identified 225 linked suspicious transaction reports, providing deeper insight into trafficking networks and financial behaviours. 

Following financial flows is helping identify trafficking networks

Expanded analysis of suspicious transaction reports has improved visibility of domestic and cross-border financial activity, helping uncover connections between trafficking, organised crime, fraud and money laundering.

Traffickers are exploiting new technologies

The report highlights emerging threats including scam compounds, AI-enabled recruitment, forced criminality and cryptocurrency-linked laundering, demonstrating how trafficking networks are adapting to digital environments. 

Financial intelligence is supporting stronger enforcement outcomes

Prosecution outcomes have improved, with charge-based trafficking convictions increasing from 44 in 2023-2024 to 146 in 2024-2025, demonstrating growing momentum in identifying and prosecuting trafficking offences. 

What you'll learn

• How trafficking typologies are evolving in South Africa
• The role financial intelligence plays in identifying and disrupting trafficking networks
• Key transaction patterns and financial red flags associated with trafficking activity
• Emerging risks including scam compounds, cyber-enabled exploitation and forced criminality
• Insights into cross-border financial flows linked to trafficking
• Recommendations for financial institutions, law enforcement and public-private partnerships

Explore the latest trafficking typologies, financial indicators and emerging risks shaping the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking in South Africa. Learn how financial intelligence is helping organisations move from awareness to action.