Operation T.E.N., Human Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2023

Operation T.E.N. Aims to End Human Trafficking in Western Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA - May 25, 2023 - U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady today announced the creation of a new anti-human trafficking coalition, Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as well as non-governmental organizations.

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that knows no race, gender, age or border. Operation T.E.N.’s collaborative approach will tighten the net around human traffickers by providing a truly intergovernmental, coordinated approach to investigating and prosecuting these predators and their networks.

“Human trafficking is an affront to human dignity,” said U.S. Attorney Brady. “It is a corrosive and degrading practice that goes against both the rule of law and the most basic standards of human dignity.

The FBI depends on our partnerships to help us protect communities,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. “We will work with our partners at every level to take those responsible for this heinous crime off our streets. It’s our priority to identify and recover child victims of human trafficking.

Combatting human trafficking is currently one of the U.S. Attorney’s highest priorities nationally and in our community. As part of the strategy, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski, who is an experienced prosecutor and serves as the Human Trafficking Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s office, will oversee Operation T.E.N. and community outreach, serving as a resource that members of our community can utilize to directly access the United States Attorney’s Office regarding human trafficking.

“We are confident that we can affect change with our victim-centric approach to investigations, where equal value is placed on the identification and stabilization of victims, as well as the investigation and prosecution of suspects,” said David Abbate, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for HSI Pittsburgh.

The formation of Operation T.E.N. is a step in the right direction to end human trafficking in Western Pennsylvania.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/us-attorney-brady-announces-coalition-dedicated-ending-human-trafficking