California Sex-trafficking Operation Arrests 64, Frees 2 Women

A human-trafficking sting that was focused on online prostitution led to the arrests of 64 people, California authorities announced this week.

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force arrested 61 men and one female for solicitation of prostitution and two other men on other prostitution and solicitation charges January 24-28, authorities said in a statement released Tuesday.

Task force officials said investigators set up stings at sites known for sex trafficking and targeted businesses that had previously been reported for illegal sexual activity.

In addition to the arrests, task force officers found two women believed to be victims of sex trafficking who were being forced to engage in prostitution against their will.

The arrests were part of an annual effort by local, state and federal authorities to combat sexual slavery and human trafficking in California, according to the statement.

Last year, 518 people were arrested, while 87 victims, including 11 children, were recovered during the effort, it said.

Human trafficking is a worldwide problem. The U.S. State Department and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have reported that between 25 million and 40 million people are trafficked around the globe each year.

Read the full story on VOA News.

Category: Law Enforcement