The human toll: International money laundering, part 1 of 2

International money laundering plays a major role in the financing of numerous illicit activities that threaten domestic and global financial systems. Human trafficking, one such illicit activity, is becoming ever more profitable and prevalent. In fact, it has become the third-largest source of income for organized crime groups after drugs and arms trafficking.

When we think of the average life of a 12-year old girl, rape and forced prostitution aren't what come to mind. But for many girls, that describes the devastating reality they're forced into because of the growing prevalence and profitability of human trafficking.

According to the Oct. 22, 2008, Al Jazeera article, "Child sex trade soars in Cambodia," reporters going undercover found girls as young as 14 forced to work as prostitutes in Cambodia. "Al Jazeera filmed secretly at several brothels, and in each case found much the same thing — rooms full of young women in their early 20s, as well as teenagers.

"For my virginity they gave me $200," said Ya Da, a 16-year-old former prostitute, according to Al Jazeera.

Ya Da's case is indicative of more than 12 million trafficked persons in the world who are subject to forced prostitution or labor.