The Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) and the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) issued an alert regarding the possible increase in crimes such as human trafficking and money laundering during the 2026 Soccer World Cup, which will be hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Financial authorities warned that the high mobility of people, economic resources and commercial activities that the tournament will generate could be used by criminal groups to hide illicit resources and operate sexual and labor exploitation schemes.

According to the alert issued by the FIU and the CNBV, the objective is to reinforce the mechanisms for monitoring and identifying unusual operations within the Mexican financial system, mainly in banks, fintechs and other entities required to report suspicious movements.

The document points out that the World Cup represents an economic and tourist opportunity for the country, but it also increases the risks related to human trafficking networks and money laundering, crimes that usually increase during large-scale international events.

The authorities indicated that the instrument was prepared based on risk analysis and international practices regarding the prevention of money laundering and the fight against trafficking.

In addition, it will remain in force until August 31, 2026 and may be updated as the risks detected before, during and after the tournament evolve.

The alert also seeks for financial institutions to identify signals related to possible sexual or labor exploitation schemes, by monitoring transactional profiles and atypical operations.

Various civil organizations and specialists have previously warned that massive sporting events can cause increases in crimes such as gender violence, sexual exploitation and illicit activities linked to organized crime.