Authorities in San Diego have made a significant arrest of 14 individuals and rescued 10 victims, one of whom is a 16-year-old, following an undercover human trafficking operation during the Comic-Con International event in the city. The joint investigation involved the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, including the FBI, DOJ, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the aim of targeting sex buyers and recovering victims of sex trafficking at the annual convention.
Comic-Con International is a widely popular event that attracts over 100,000 fans to San Diego each year. Unfortunately, sex traffickers often take advantage of such large-scale events to exploit their victims for profit. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the importance of these arrests in sending a clear message to potential offenders that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated.
During the undercover operation that took place from Thursday through Sunday, law enforcement personnel worked covertly as sex buyers to identify potential victims of trafficking and apprehend their traffickers. Additionally, undercover advertisements were posted to solicit sex and arrest buyers. As a result of the three-day operation, 14 sex buyers were arrested, nine adult potential victims were recovered and offered services, and one 16-year-old girl was rescued.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl commended the collective efforts of law enforcement in combating human trafficking and holding criminals accountable. He highlighted the successful results of the operation as a testament to the dedication of teams working together to address this serious issue.
Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge of HSI San Diego, emphasized that while events like Comic-Con showcase the city, they will not tolerate individuals who prey on minors during such gatherings. HSI is committed to identifying and prosecuting alleged predators to ensure the safety and well-being of victims of these crimes.
Efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals continue to be a priority for law enforcement agencies, particularly during high-profile events where there may be increased risks of exploitation. The collaboration between various agencies in this operation underscores the commitment to addressing human trafficking and bringing offenders to justice.
Comic-Con International has been contacted for comment on the matter, and further updates may be provided as the investigation progresses. The arrests made during the sting operation serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and individuals from the insidious crime of human trafficking.