341 – Following the Money: How Financial Crime Investigations Disrupt Human Trafficking

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Recorded17 Mar 2025

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David Tyree joins Dr. Sandie Morgan as the two discuss how financial crime investigations can disrupt human trafficking by following the money trail and identifying the financial networks that support trafficking operations. David Tyree David Tyree has over 25 years of experience as a DEA Agent and financial crime investigator. He has led major investigations into money laundering and drug trafficking and is a recognized expert in financial crime investigations. He trains law enforcement officers on detecting money laundering and asset forfeiture. Recently, he participated in the Follow the Money Roundtable with Valid8 at Vanguard University. Key Points Financial investigations provide a new way to combat human trafficking by identifying and disrupting illicit financial networks. Traffickers exploit financial tools like Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle to move money, making it critical for law enforcement to track these transactions. Financial crime investigations allow law enforcement to build strong cases that do not rely solely on victim testimony, reducing re-traumatization. Traffickers often control victims financially, making it difficult for them to escape without outside intervention. Asset forfeiture is a powerful tool that law enforcement can use to take away traffickers’ financial resources and prevent them from reconstituting their operations. Banks and financial institutions play a crucial role in identifying suspicious activity, such as rapid money transfers, and working with law enforcement to stop trafficking networks. Understanding financial literacy is key to preventing individuals from becoming vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. Law enforcement needs to build trust with victims by offering support rather than immediately pressuring them to testify. Successful investigations require collaboration between financial institutions, law enforcement, and victim service organizations. The ability to follow the money provides a tangible way to prosecute traffickers and provide financial restitution to victims. Financial restitution is often the most meaningful form of justice for survivors, as it helps them rebuild their lives. Educating financial institutions and law enforcement about trafficking-related financial patterns can significantly improve prevention and intervention efforts. Resources LinkedIn Valid8 Venmo - Law Enforcement Inquiries Cash App (Square) - Government Agency Requests Zelle - Subpoena Processing Facebook/Instagram - Information for Law Enforcement Snapchat - Information for Law Enforcement Transcript [00:00:00] Sandie: Welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast. My name is Dr. Sandie Morgan, and this is the show where we equip you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference. Infighting Human Trafficking here at the Global Center for Women and Justice at Vanguard University. This is episode number 341 with David Tyree following the money, How Financial Crime Investigations Disrupt Human Trafficking. David Tyree has over 25 years of experience as a D.E.A. Agent and financial crime investigator. [00:00:43] He has led major investigations into money laundering and drug trafficking and is a recognized expert in financial crime investigation, crime and trains law enforcement officers on detecting money laundering and asset forfeiture. Recently, he participated in the Follow the Money Roundtable with Valid8 right here at Vanguard University. [00:01:11] David, welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking podcast. [00:01:15] David Tyree: Thank you. I'm so honored to be a part of this. I'm so impressed that you have 341 episodes. And I bet we can agree, wouldn't it be nice if we didn't have to do podcasts about this? Could we, if we could actually end this epidemic, it would just be fascinating and we could go do something different. [00:01:33] Sandie: I love that you are bringing a little different perspe...

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