14 Sex Buyers Arrested, 10 Victims Recovered in Human Trafficking Sting at Comic-Con
In a significant operation aimed at combating human trafficking, the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force conducted a three-day sting operation ahead of the Comic-Con Convention, resulting in the arrest of 14 sex buyers and the recovery of 10 victims. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the operation in a news release on Tuesday, highlighting the rescue of a 16-year-old girl among those recovered.
"Unfortunately, sex traffickers capitalize on large-scale events such as Comic-Con to exploit their victims for profit," Bonta said in a statement. "These arrests send a clear message to potential offenders that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated."
The operation involved law enforcement officers going undercover as sex buyers to identify and arrest traffickers, as well as locate potential victims. Undercover police also posted ads seeking sex as part of the operation, leveraging the high foot traffic and anonymity of such events to infiltrate trafficking networks.
The Comic-Con International, which concluded on Sunday, is a major event held annually at the San Diego Convention Center, attracting over 100,000 attendees. The convention, known for its celebration of comic books and pop culture, provided a ripe environment for traffickers to operate, according to authorities.
Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, emphasized the commitment to eradicating such criminal activities. "When people use these events as an opportunity to prey upon minors, HSI and our law enforcement partners will find you and bring you before a court of law to face criminal charges," Davis said in a statement. "There is no place for alleged predators to operate in our city."
The successful operation underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat human trafficking, particularly in high-visibility events where the risk of exploitation is heightened. The arrests and recoveries serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of human trafficking and the need for continued vigilance and action.