By: Kasey Lynae
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced Friday that it had arrested 123 people involved in sex trafficking, including online predators who targeted minors and traffickers who exploited victims in local hotels.
The arrests were part of a two-part operation, "Operation Takedown," that coincided with the 2021 Super Bowl. According to Sheriff Chad Chronister, large-scale events like the Super Bowl can increase trafficking and harm vulnerable populations.
“We know that human trafficking is a real and present danger in Hillsborough County,” Chronister said. “We are committed to finding and arresting those who seek to exploit others through human trafficking, as well as connecting victims with the resources they need to heal.”
This operation began on Feb. 15 and concluded on March 3. The initial focus was on online solicitation of minors. Seventy-nine suspects agreed to meet up with detectives after they posed as underage boys and girls on social media. The suspects were arrested at the meeting location.
Part two of the operation, which ran from March 4 to March 11, targeted human trafficking organizations. Detectives teamed up with local hotels to identify victims and traffickers. There were 44 arrests. A total of 13 victims were rescued and offered help.
According to Chronister, the operation was a success and sent a clear message to sex traffickers.
“We will not tolerate human trafficking in our community, and we will hold those who prey on others accountable for their actions,” he said.
Sex trafficking in the US is a major problem and has been for years. However, the US has historically been the number one buyer of sex-trafficked victims in the world. The open border has caused sex trafficking to go up approximately 63%.
Unfortunately, the data on sex trafficking cannot be verified since it is an illegal practice. Most trafficked victims come in and not out of the state because human trafficking produces $9.5 billion annually in the states. States near the borders and coastlines have the most instances of sex trafficking because of their airport and departure locations and minimal risk of identification going in and out.
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