• Creating vulnerability – corruption starts by creating vulnerable communities in locations where corruption runs rampant. These communities become ripe for exploitation.
• Cultivating officials – perpetrators of modern slavery rely on corrupt officials to facilitate their illicit activities, especially in cases involving migration and transportation. Bribes are the currency of choice to gain official cooperation.
• Targeting victims – once individuals are trafficked and forced into slavery, they become a new source of income for corrupt officials. Victims are coerced into paying bribes to avoid harsher conditions or legal consequences.
• Extortion and mutual support – the corrupt officials themselves become vulnerable to extortion by the traffickers. A record of their complicity in modern slavery becomes a weapon in the hands of those seeking to continue their operations.

1. Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessments: Understand the corruption risks within your organization and your supplier network. Identify high-risk countries and sectors.
2. Empower Your Workforce: Educate your employees about the red flags associated with both corruption and modern slavery. Knowledge is the first line of defense.
3. Collaborate for Impact: Join industry or regional initiatives to combat corruption collectively. A united front amplifies your influence.
4. Support Victims: Depending on your industry, consider providing support to organizations aiding trafficked individuals. Legal assistance and financial contributions to relevant charities can make a difference.
5. Due Diligence on Third Parties: Implement robust due diligence procedures for your third-party relationships. Assess not only modern slavery but also corruption risks.
6. Scrutinize Certifications: Be cautious when dealing with certifications claiming a business is free from modern slavery. These certifications can be corrupted, so verify their credibility.
7. Embed Ethical Clauses: Incorporate modern slavery and anti-corruption clauses into supplier agreements and requests for tender. Ensure your partners adhere to ethical standards.

Listen to the latest two episodes of the Ethics Exchange Podcast here:

Listen to Episode 1

Listen to Episode 2