Trafficking at the World Cup
In recent years, increased attention has highlighted the connection between major sporting events and human trafficking. From the Super Bowl to the Final Four, groups have mounted various campaigns to raise awareness about this issue.
With the U.S. scheduled to host the World Cup this summer, several organizations and states are preparing for the likelihood of human trafficking in relation to the tournament. Pennsylvania is one of these states, and the legislature is currently considering bills to improve identifying and reporting suspected human trafficking.
Human trafficking and related activities are crimes that, if convicted, come with major penalties. These types of awareness campaigns linked to sporting events can result in increased prosecution and convictions.
If you’ve been charged with sex trafficking or related crimes in Pennsylvania, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. Our team assists individuals facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania and at the federal level. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.
Pending Legislation
In December 2024, the Pennsylvania House unanimously passed a bill designed to address human trafficking in the state. The state regularly hosts major events, but with the World Cup and NFL Draft expected to draw in a large number of visitors and tourists, the bill’s sponsor felt that this was a good time to address human trafficking and prevention.
The bill, if passed, would require lodging operators, such as hotels, to have workers train on how to recognize and report human trafficking. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency would approve acceptable training programs, and lodging operators would be required to keep records of employee training.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking refers to illegal recruiting, coercing, transporting, or harboring individuals. Victims of human trafficking are often coerced or tricked into service through force, fraud, or deception. While they often come from vulnerable groups or have minimal support systems, there’s no one profile for victims.
Trafficking falls into two general categories, labor trafficking and sex trafficking. Labor trafficking refers to forcing people to work. Sex trafficking refers to coercing people to have sex for commercial reasons. In situations when the trafficked individual is a minor, the use of fraud, coercion, or force isn’t required to establish trafficking.
Related Crimes
Individuals charged with human trafficking or sex trafficking may also face a wide variety of related charges. These can include violations of labor laws and prostitution.
Promoting prostitution is a crime in Pennsylvania. This includes encouraging or coercing an individual to engage in the sex trade or transporting individuals within the state or across state lines.
Kidnapping is another related crime. In situations when individuals cross state lines as part of human trafficking, the crime becomes a federal matter.
Protect Your Rights
Convictions for human trafficking and related crimes carry serious penalties. They can also carry serious repercussions for your reputation, career, and relationships.
If you’ve been accused of trafficking or related crimes at the state or federal level, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is here to help. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.