Thirty-three children were rescued in an anti-trafficking operation in Los Angeles called “Operation Lost Angels,” the FBI’s LA office announced on Friday.
The FBI teamed up with the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and more than two dozen police and non-governmental partners to launch the recovery initiative on January 11.
The FBI notes that eight of the 33 recovered children were being sexually exploited when found, and that many were considered vulnerable, children who disappeared before their recovery.
Two children were located several times during the investigation at known sex trafficking sites.
One of the children found was kidnapped illegally by one of the parents. Some others were arrested for violating probation, theft or other misdemeanors.
In addition, a suspect in human trafficking was arrested on state charges.
“The FBI regards human trafficking as modern slavery and minors involved in commercial sex trafficking are considered victims,” said FBI assistant director Kristi K. Johnson in a statement. the FBI and our partners investigate child sex trafficking every day of the year, 24 hours a day. “
According to the FBI, human trafficking cases have “increased significantly” in recent years. During fiscal year 2020, the FBI opened 664 human trafficking investigations across the country. As a result, 473 traffickers were arrested.
In November 2020, however, more than 1,800 trafficking investigations were still ongoing, including cases of child sex trafficking.
The FBI has asked anyone who thinks they have witnessed human trafficking to call their local FBI office or local police department.