MGC awards grants for human trafficking prevention efforts

BOSTON (WWLP)–The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has awarded a grant to help law enforcement identify and prevent human trafficking.

According to the MGC, the money will be used to study the impact of casino-related crime, including human trafficking. There is evidence that traffickers use casinos and the Commission is committed to addressing this problem in Massachusetts, where there are three casinos.

The Commission awarded the grants through the Community Mitigation Fund to the Attorney General's Office and the Suffolk County Prosecutor. The funds will help provide law enforcement and other agencies with the resources needed to expand the capabilities of their investigative teams to investigate, prosecute and prevent human trafficking, allowing them to handle more cases both regionally and statewide.

“These initiatives underscore MGC’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of individuals within our communities by prosecuting human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations,” the Acting President said. of MGC, Jordan Maynard. “These grants represent an important investment in our collective efforts to combat human trafficking by providing agencies with necessary information and resources. »

The MGC partners with communities, law enforcement, and other related agencies to develop strategies to combat human trafficking.