Contributing to the Fight Against Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery in the Context of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Funding of Terrorism (AML/CFT)

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (HT and MS) are heinous crimes, more so when considering that there is an alarming $236 billion worldwide industry built on the exploitation of these vulnerable individuals. As AML/CFT professionals, we are positioned on the frontline of this fight. We have the power to identify any financial footprints linked to HT and MS and can dismantle criminal networks behind them.

This session aims to equip you with the practical skills to combat this global emergency. We will delve into the specific ML/FT typologies and red flags that are correlated to HT/MS. These will help us identify the complex financial and behavioural signs of exploitation. We must look beyond the algorithms of automated transaction monitoring systems. Such systems may miss certain transaction patterns that AML/CFT financial professionals can detect and ensure are calibrated effectively. Furthermore, we will explore how the integration of external data helps corroborate a complete picture of the ML and FT risks linked to particular customers associated with HT and MS.

By equipping ourselves with this knowledge, we can provide the FIAU and the law enforcement authority (LEA) with highly detailed, actionable and impactful information, which is then processed into intelligence. This is essential for launching investigations, prosecuting human traffickers and rescuing victims. This is more than just a fight against financial crime, but it is a global fight for human dignity.

The Speaker

Monique Cauchi is an accomplished Anti-Money Laundering (AML) specialist with a strong legal and compliance foundation. She dedicated over five years to Malta's Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU), concluding her tenure in March 2025 as a Guidance & Outreach Senior Officer within the Legal Affairs Section. At the FIAU, Monique played a key role in shaping Malta's AML/CFT framework by drafting guidance, leading outreach and training initiatives, managing public-private partnerships, and providing essential legal interpretation. Prior to the FIAU, she served as a Legal & Compliance Executive and Data Protection Officer in the trusts and pensions sector. Monique holds a Doctor of Laws, an ICA Diploma in AML, and the CAMS certification. She now applies her extensive regulatory and practical expertise as an AML Manager at RiskCap International Limited.