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The FBI Los Angeles Division, in partnership with state and local agencies, identified and located nine potential human trafficking victims, including five adolescents during a nationwide effort, “Operation Cross Country”. The FBI-led initiative focused on identifying and locating victims of sex trafficking and investigating and arresting individuals and criminal enterprises involved in both child sex trafficking and human trafficking.
As part of Operation Cross Country XII, FBI Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, Victim Specialists, and Child Adolescent Forensic Interviewers working in conjunction with over 200 state, local, and federal partners and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) conducted operations over a two-week period.
“This year’s operation underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting the communities we serve from those who seek to victimize the most vulnerable among us,” said Amir Ehsaei, assistant director in charge of the FBI Los Angeles Division. “Human trafficking and child exploitation are insidious crimes, and the impact on victims is immeasurable. However, with strong partnerships forged between outstanding service providers and law enforcement, we can ensure victims receive the services they need, and the perpetrators of such unspeakable activity are brought to justice.”
The FBI Los Angeles Field Office and the FBI Los Angeles Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force coordinated with multiple law enforcement partners and thanks them for their participation and assistance, including: the Los Angeles Police Department; Inglewood Police Department; Pomona Police Department; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office; Ventura County Sheriff’s Office; Santa Maria Police Department; and Department of Children and Family Services.
Learn more about Operation Cross Country XII here.
