CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — With a staggering $236 billion in profits, human trafficking remains a pervasive issue globally, and experts warn that its prevalence tends to rise during the holiday season.

Authorities report that approximately 50 million individuals are victims of trafficking around the world. To combat this, police are dedicated to gathering extensive information to preemptively address these situations. They emphasize that the first line of defense is public education, empowering individuals with the knowledge to safeguard themselves.

Specialists and law enforcement officials stress that no demographic is immune, as people across all ages and races can become targets of trafficking.

“My goal is to educate everyone about the risks, the warning signs, and the current situation,” stated a spokesperson.