Arizona played a role in major victory in the fight against human trafficking recently.
The Phoenix Police Department’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit in joint operations with units from Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe, Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI conducted a joint operation in Scottsdale and Phoenix that resulted in 118 arrests related to prostitution, luring, pandering, escort service violations, and warrants.
The investigations took place over several weeks in two phases. Police officials say phase one was held over a three-day period in January. Phase two took place over a three-day period in February.
Of those arrested, three of the subjects had outstanding felony warrants; one of which was for homicide out of Texas.
One adult was arrested after an agreement was made to meet, with the intent to pay for a sexual encounter with an underage male.
The operation led to several traffickers being identified with several additional possible human trafficker leads that could lead to future arrests.
None of the individuals arrested have been identified.
Police said the combined agency collaborations are part of a nationwide effort to eliminate human and sex trafficking.
If you have information about someone being trafficked, contact your police department or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or humantraffickinghotline.org.
