Major Human Trafficking Bust At Comic-Con Results In Arrests And Rescues

A significant human trafficking sting operation conducted during the San Diego Comic-Con Convention has led to the arrest of 14 individuals and the rescue of 10 victims, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Tuesday. The operation, spanning from Thursday to Saturday, was a collaborative effort involving local police and state task force officers.

Undercover officers posed as sex work clients to identify and apprehend traffickers, while fake ads soliciting sex were used to lure potential offenders. This strategy proved effective in targeting those exploiting the large-scale event.

“Unfortunately, sex traffickers capitalize on large-scale events, such as Comic-Con, to exploit their victims for profit,” Bonta stated. “These arrests send a clear message to potential offenders that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated.”

The sting resulted in the arrest of 14 traffickers and the rescue of 10 victims. Child Welfare Services and various advocacy organizations were present to offer immediate support to the rescued individuals.

San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez spoke out against the crime of human trafficking, stressing its heinous nature. “There is no more insidious crime than human trafficking,” Martinez declared. “The coercion and violence which enslaves people for profit and places them into forced labor or sex is criminal. As the Sheriff, I support the efforts of all our justice partners in holding perpetrators accountable.”

The successful operation underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to combat human trafficking, especially during events like Comic-Con where traffickers often target large crowds. The immediate involvement of support services ensured that the rescued victims received necessary care and protection.