GACO/Project Nexus: Unmasking the Financial Flows Behind Human Trafficking

Join us for an exclusive event, hosted in collaboration between the Gibraltar Financial Intelligence Unit (GFIU) and GACO as part of Project Nexus, focusing on the financing of trafficking in human beings.

The GFIU has partnered with an expert speaker, Mr Steve Farrer, who has been prioritising the fight against human trafficking since 2015, and brings a wealth of experience from both the banking sector and law enforcement. He will provide critical insights into one of the largest crimes by revenue—estimated at USD $498 billion annually—including the revised revenue estimates from modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT), the shift of forced commercial sex trafficking to online platforms (particularly in light of the war in Ukraine), and the evolving logistics chains supporting these crimes. 

The session will also explore the rise of cyber-enabled scams and trafficking compounds in Southeast Asia, as well as the growing global threat of organ trafficking, surrogacy exploitation, and illicit egg farming. Attendees will also take part in a 45–60-minute interactive exercise, offering a unique team-building opportunity while reinforcing key takeaways.

Do not miss this chance to enhance your understanding and contribute to the fight against illicit financial flows linked to human trafficking. It is important for law enforcement agencies and financial institutions in Gibraltar to be aware of how human trafficking is financed, how methods used to launder the proceeds of these operations are evolving and to essentially improve working practices.

Speaker

Steve Farrer

Recently deployed on a UK Home Office funded project using AI to identify victims of forced commercial sex trafficking in the online environment. Prior to this, a consultant with the UNODC, and EU-funded Anti Money Laundering Trafficking in Human Beings (AML-THB in GHoA) programmes, working extensively across Middle East, North, East & Southern Africa, building capacity within law enforcement, FIUs, and prosecutors in the use of financial investigations to identify & target finances associated with human trafficking. 
 
Mr Farrer has previously delivered training in Gibraltar and given our strategic location at the heart of the Western Mediterranean route, as well as our status as an international finance centre, we are keen to raise awareness on this important topic.
 
https://www.gbc.gi/news/gfiu-invite-human-trafficking-financial-expert-raise-awareness-rock  

Event Details

Date: Thursday 29th May 2025
Location: Sunborn, Atlas Conference Rooms
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm (Registration will be open as from 9am and there will be a mid-morning break with coffee/tea provided)
Price: £25 for GACO members/£40 for non-members

Strictly limited to 60 attendees. 

Our first event was very well attended so please register soon to avoid disappointment!