Over the weekend during Comic-Con, a significant human trafficking sting operation led to the arrest of fourteen individuals and the recovery of ten victims. The operation, conducted from July 25-27, was a collaborative effort by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and the California Department of Justice.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the unfortunate reality that large-scale events like Comic-Con are often exploited by traffickers. He commended the task force for their critical role in addressing this issue, stating that the arrests send a strong message to those involved in trafficking. Bonta highlighted the commitment of the task force to assist and protect vulnerable individuals, reflecting the broader mission to combat human trafficking and support survivors.

The anti-human trafficking operation at Comic-Con was a comprehensive, multi-agency effort aimed at combating the exploitation of individuals. Law enforcement officials worked undercover as sex buyers and posted deceptive ads to identify and arrest traffickers and sex buyers.

The operation successfully recovered nine adult potential victims and one 16-year-old juvenile. Support service advocates for both adults and juveniles were on hand to provide immediate assistance and support to the victims.

San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez condemned human trafficking as one of the most egregious crimes, emphasizing the severe coercion and violence involved. She expressed her support for the collaborative efforts of the justice partners involved and the focus placed on the convention to identify and rescue victims.

The operation was a joint effort involving numerous agencies, including:

• California Department of Justice

• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

• California Highway Patrol

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

• National City Police Department

• San Diego City Attorney’s Office

• San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

• San Diego County Probation Department

• San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

• San Diego Police Department

• Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)

• U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California

• Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)

This broad coalition underscores the commitment to tackling human trafficking and providing justice for victims.

Stay safe.

Source: Hollywood Reporter