The FBI recently reported a significant breakthrough in the fight against sex trafficking through a nationwide enforcement effort known as “Operation Cross Country.”
During the two-week initiative, authorities discovered 200 victims of sex trafficking, shedding light on the magnitude of this crime.
The operation also resulted in the identification and apprehension of 126 individuals implicated in child sexual exploitation and human trafficking, along with an additional 68 suspects connected to trafficking activities.
The primary objective of the operation was to identify and locate victims of sex trafficking. The FBI collaborated with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to track down offenders and dismantle their criminal networks.
The operation successfully rescued 59 minor victims of child sex trafficking and child sexual exploitation. These victims were also identified as 59 children who had previously been reported missing, demonstrating the critical role law enforcement plays in ensuring the safety of these vulnerable individuals.
FBI Director Christopher Wray reiterated the bureau’s steadfast commitment to tackling this threat, emphasizing that sex traffickers target society’s most vulnerable, including many children.
Attorney General Merrick Garland commended the operation’s success in rescuing minor victims and apprehending those responsible for these heinous crimes.
The FBI’s multidisciplinary team, which includes victim specialists, forensic interviewers, special agents, and victim service personnel, collaborated with state and local partners to provide essential resources and tailored services to trafficking victims. This support played a vital role in bridging the gap between the victims and investigators, ensuring their unique needs were met.
The announcement coincided with the unexpected box office success of the indie film “Sound of Freedom,” which focuses on sex trafficking. The movie has grossed over $130 million since its July 4 weekend debut, raising public awareness and concern about this issue
