NYPD ramps up enforcement efforts for human trafficking during World Cup
Big sporting events like the World Cup can create conditions like tourism and temporary labor demand, making it an opportunity for sex and labor trafficking to happen.
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The NYPD says human trafficking is an issue it works to combat year-round, but in the months leading up to the World Cup, it's increasing its monitoring and enforcement efforts.
Big sporting events like the World Cup can create conditions like tourism and temporary labor demand, making it an opportunity for sex and labor trafficking to happen.
Assistant Commissioner for the NYPD's Gender-Based Policy Violence and Policy Planning Unit Kathleen Baer says there's the potential for dangerous situations.
“There are people here, tourists from all over the world. They're going to be looking to purchase sexual acts for money. Pimps and traffickers are here to exploit that," said Baer.
Lt. Christopher Zizza with the NYPD's Special Victims Unit Citywide Human Trafficking Squad says the NYPD is increasing monitoring online, transportation corridors and known hotspots like Penn Track in East New York.
Baer says she's seen survivors as young as 11 years old, as well as older adults.
Warning signs may include someone lacking access to money, deferring to another person to answer basic questions, or wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather or location.
"That one simple phone call can save somebody's life. And there are multiple ways to do it," said Lt. Zizza.
Saloni Sethi, commissioner for the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Gender and Domestic-Based Violence, says the office is conducting awareness campaigns and training hotel staff to help people recognize warning signs.
Sethi says the first line of defense is noticing the red flags.
“If anybody asks for your documents, give me your passport, give me, you know, your ID and sort of hangs on to those. That's always a huge red flag. And really, a lot of times it's about trusting your gut," said Sethi.
Lt. Zizza says he's encouraging people to speak up.
“We want the survivors to come forward, to speak to us, and they will be treated that way because no one should be in fear that they are going to get in trouble. That one simple phone call can save somebody's life. And there are multiple ways to do it," said Lt. Zizza.
If you or someone you know may have experienced human trafficking you can call 911 or the NYPD's human trafficking hotline at 646-610-7272.
