Missouri Attorney General partners with human trafficking nonprofit ahead of World Cup

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As over 650,000 people are expected to arrive in Kansas City this summer for the anticipated FIFA World Cup, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has partnered with national nonprofit Safe House Project to address human trafficking.

Hanaway reports that large-scale international events have led to spikes in trafficking activity.

"Protecting victims and preventing exploitation are core public‑safety responsibilities of my office, and we will use every tool available to catch traffickers and hold them accountable," Hanaway said in a press release.

Safe House Project developed the program, Simply Report. The program can be accessed online, through an app, or by calling 1.833.5.BESAFE without an account. Users are taken to a chat box where an AI records their report or any tips they provide.

"When a Missourian sees something, they now have a way to act on it," Kristi Wells, CEO and Co-Founder of Safe House Project, said in a press release.

Missouri has consistently ranked among the top states nationally for human trafficking, and prior reporting has also found that the state saw a spike in human trafficking cases in 2024.

The state sits at the center of the U.S., intersecting with major interstates and railways, a hotspot for trafficking activity. In previous years, Missouri averaged more than 240 human trafficking cases. In 2024 alone, the state recorded 272 cases, the highest total since 2020, when 270 cases were reported.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.