KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – With the World Cup just three weeks away and more than 650,000 visitors expected in Kansas City, authorities are sounding the alarm about a serious threat: human trafficking.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway told KCTV5 that human trafficking is her top concern heading into the tournament. Missouri ranks fourth in the nation for human trafficking cases, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. In 2025 alone, authorities identified 272 cases involving 539 victims.
Hanaway is working with prosecutors on both sides of the state line to prepare law enforcement for the influx of visitors this summer.
“You have all these people traveling far away from home who are very wealthy staying for long periods of time without their family, and they engage in the kind of conduct that attracts human traffickers,” Hanaway said.
A Kansas City nonprofit called Exodus Cry is also mobilizing ahead of the tournament. The group met at New Life City Church Thursday night for a trial run of its expanded outreach efforts.
Normally, volunteers meet at each other’s homes once a month to chat on escort websites — attempting to connect with women who may be victims of trafficking. For the five weeks the World Cup is in Kansas City, they’re increasing that eightfold to twice a week. The church location is new, chosen specifically to address that.
“Because we’re going to be utilizing so many new volunteers throughout the World Cup,” said SJ Evans, Exodus Cry’s outreach manager.
Two of the volunteers asked KCTV5 to conceal their identities. They showed KCTV5 previous messages they’ve sent on escort websites — always starting with a compliment before directing women to a website called Jewels. Evans said they choose their message carefully.
“We’re not here to tell you what to do, we’re here to make sure that you know about all of your options,” she summarized.
If someone is receptive to the volunteers’ online messages, they meet in person at a safe space, like a restaurant. Volunteers then refer them to services including industry support groups, free life coaches, and wraparound services from an organization called ReHope.
The group will also double its monthly street outreach to twice a week during the tournament.
The trial run revealed at least one obstacle: the church’s WiFi blocked the escort websites the volunteers rely on to make contact.
“I’m so glad we figured it out now before 200 volunteers showed up to help us,” Evans said.
They are still working on a solution — but with three weeks to go, she is confident they have enough time to get it sorted.
“I think we’re kind of in a holding pattern for now,” a volunteer said.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.
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