The FBI has recently announced the results of Operation Cross Country XIII, a nationwide sex trafficking operation aimed at identifying and locating victims of sex trafficking and arresting human traffickers. In collaboration with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the FBI led the initiative which resulted in the recovery of two victims of sex trafficking and the identification of one suspected trafficker. The FBI and its state and local partners identified and located a total of 200 victims of sex trafficking, and identified or arrested 126 suspects of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking offenses. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the FBI to combat child exploitation and human trafficking, and reinforces the importance of public vigilance, cooperation, and reporting to help rescue victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
FBI Announces Results of Nationwide Sex Trafficking Operation (Operation Cross Country XIII)
The FBI recently unveiled the findings of Operation Cross Country XIII, a nationwide campaign focused on combating sex trafficking and rescuing victims. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, aimed to identify and locate victims of sex trafficking and apprehend human traffickers. Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg highlighted the gravity of this crime, emphasizing its devastating impact on vulnerable individuals, including those in the Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia areas. Operation Cross Country serves as an exemplar of the FBI’s ongoing commitment to rescuing victims, prosecuting traffickers, and supporting survivors.
FBI Washington Field Office and Law Enforcement Partners Recover Victims and Identify Suspected Trafficker
Throughout Operation Cross Country, the FBI Washington Field Office worked closely with various law enforcement agencies to successfully recover two victims of sex trafficking and identify one suspected trafficker. The joint efforts of these agencies led to the swift arrest of the apprehended suspect. The FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force coordinated with the Metropolitan Police Department, Arlington County Police Department, Alexandria Police Department, Fairfax County Police Department, and Loudoun County Police Department to ensure the operation’s success.
Operation Cross Country: Focus on Identifying and Locating Victims of Sex Trafficking
Operation Cross Country primarily aimed to identify and locate victims of sex trafficking. The FBI, in collaboration with participating field offices and its state and local partners, vigorously pursued this goal. The operation resulted in the identification and location of 200 victims who had fallen victim to sex trafficking. In addition, law enforcement authorities arrested or identified 126 suspects involved in child sexual exploitation and human trafficking offenses. The identified suspects will face further investigation, potentially leading to criminal charges.
Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg’s Statement on Human Trafficking
Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg expressed his commitment to combating child exploitation and human trafficking, emphasizing the detrimental consequences of these crimes on society’s most vulnerable members. Sundberg praised the collaborative efforts of the FBI and its partners in successfully rescuing victims and arresting traffickers. He reiterated the FBI’s unwavering dedication to undertaking crucial initiatives like Operation Cross Country and encouraged the public to remain vigilant, cooperative, and responsive in reporting any suspicious activities related to human trafficking.
Participating FBI Field Offices and Results of Operation Cross Country
Numerous FBI field offices actively participated in Operation Cross Country, contributing to the operation’s impressive results. With the support of state and local law enforcement agencies, the FBI identified and located victims of sex trafficking in various regions across the nation. The collective efforts of these offices led to the arrest or identification of 126 suspects involved in child sexual exploitation and human trafficking offenses. These individuals will undergo additional investigation to determine the appropriate charges.
Local Success: Recovery of Victims and Arrest of Suspected Trafficker
Locally, the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force made significant headway in combating sex trafficking. Through their diligent efforts, one adolescent victim and one adult victim of sex trafficking were successfully recovered. Furthermore, law enforcement agents identified and arrested one suspected trafficker, ensuring the swift removal of a dangerous individual from society. This local success underscores the effectiveness of collaboration among various agencies in protecting the community and providing support to victims of trafficking.
Continued Cooperation Among CEHTTF Members
The success of Operation Cross Country owes much to the continued cooperation among members of the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF). The FBI Washington Field Office, alongside the Metropolitan Police Department, Arlington County Police Department, Alexandria Police Department, Fairfax County Police Department, and Loudoun County Police Department, has demonstrated the power of collective action in combating these heinous crimes. This coordinated effort serves as a model for multi-agency collaboration, which maximizes resources and expertise to combat child exploitation and human trafficking effectively.
FBI’s Commitment to Combating Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking
The FBI remains resolute in its commitment to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. Operation Cross Country represents just one facet of the FBI’s comprehensive strategy to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. Through innovative investigative techniques, proactive victim recovery operations, and extensive cooperation with law enforcement and non-governmental partners, the FBI strives to eradicate these crimes and provide care and support for survivors. The agency’s tireless efforts reflect its dedication to upholding the principles of justice and safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
Encouragement for Vigilance, Cooperation, and Reporting from the Public
In combating child exploitation and human trafficking, the FBI recognizes the invaluable role played by the public. The agency encourages individuals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information that may assist in identifying and recovering victims or bringing perpetrators to justice. By partnering with the public, the FBI can enhance its prevention, investigation, and prosecution efforts. Your willingness to report such crimes is crucial in protecting potential victims and ensuring the swift apprehension of those responsible for their exploitation.
National Human Trafficking Resource Center and Reporting Options
If you suspect or have information regarding human trafficking, it is vital to report it promptly. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) operates a toll-free hotline available 24/7. Specialists handle calls and provide essential support and guidance to callers. You can contact the NHTRC at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233722. Your call or text can potentially save lives and contribute to the nationwide fight against human trafficking. Reports can also be submitted through the NHTRC website, further ensuring the accessibility and ease of reporting.
Additional Resources for Victims and the Public
Victims of human trafficking require specialized support and care. The FBI, alongside partners such as the Victim Services Division and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, stands ready to assist victims in their recovery and reintegration into society. These organizations provide crucial services tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of trafficking survivors. Additionally, the public can access resources through the FBI’s website, which offers information on various aspects related to human trafficking, including prevention strategies, support for victims, and ways to get involved in combating this grave issue.
As Operation Cross Country XIII concludes, its substantial impact on rescuing victims and uncovering the sinister operations of sex traffickers becomes evident. The FBI, in partnership with law enforcement agencies across the nation, remains unyielding in its resolve to protect vulnerable individuals, raise awareness, and bring traffickers to justice. By working together, law enforcement and the public can eradicate human trafficking, offering hope and a brighter future to survivors of this horrific crime.