Anti-human trafficking organizations track cryptocurrencies to combat global illegal human trafficking.

CipherTrace, a long-time player in the blockchain security sector, has announced a partnership with the Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (ATII) to jointly leverage cryptocurrency tracing and analytics to further the organization's goal of combating global illegal human trafficking.

Cryptocurrencies may become a new tool to combat crime, and the partnership established by CipherTrace and the Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (ATII) is solid proof of that.

The ATII committee is composed of experienced members in the fields of anti-money laundering and cryptocurrency, including Pamela Clegg, the Director of CipherTrace and a former U.S. intelligence officer. Clegg will provide expertise to ATII and assist in investigations as needed.

Clegg commented on the collaboration:

CipherTrace will work closely with ATII as I am already a member of their advisory committee and am ready to investigate when required, exchanging valuable information between each other.

Reports indicate that CipherTrace will provide ATII with its powerful cryptocurrency tracing tools, capable of tracking transactions of over 700 different cryptocurrencies. Clegg explained:

ATII can access our dashboard for investigations to understand the use of cryptocurrencies in human trafficking. Additionally, I have received training from ATII to assist in their research on the relationship between human trafficking and cryptocurrencies.

Tracking Cryptocurrencies to Combat Human Trafficking

According to statistics from Human Rights First, human trafficking generates billions of dollars in revenue for perpetrators each year. However, ATII founder Aaron Kahler pointed out the lack of specific laws against trafficking. He stated:

There are regulations against money laundering and financing terrorism, but they do not touch on trafficking. To convey this information and draw government attention, we are trying to bring anti-trafficking programs, data, technology, and training to financial institutions such as banks and cryptocurrency exchanges.

Furthermore, Clegg pointed out that while it is still difficult to determine if actual human trafficking activities are funded by cryptocurrencies, CipherTrace and ATII can conduct in-depth research based on money laundering or transactions on the dark web.

Despite collaborating with various organizations like INTERPOL and Lawyers Without Borders to combat human trafficking, Clegg highlighted that the partnership with ATII will truly shed light on the issue:

Following the money, as with most criminal organizations and activities, is the most effective way to combat this global crime, and that is what this partnership is about. When ATII tracks down a confirmed human trafficking case and its address, we can exchange data for further investigation.

Kahler also mentioned that the collaboration with CipherTrace will allow both parties to delve deeper into the overall cryptocurrency landscape, not only focusing on human trafficking but potentially even investigating child pornography cases. Kahler concluded:

I guess other anti-trafficking organizations will soon want to do the same.

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