Tuesday, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Detroit Division David P. Gelios, alongside several other federal and local authorities, made the announcement that nineteen children were rescued and 12 suspected pimps were arrested in Detroit.
The capture was part of a nationwide FBI sting aimed at criminal enterprises responsible for the commercial sex trafficking of children.
According to a news release from the FBI, the sting was a result of the local efforts of Operation Cross Country IX, and the Detroit sting was among the most successful in the country. Across the nation, 149 victims were recovered and 153 pimps arrested in the operation that concluded last weekend.
“Our office is pleased with the success of the operation in metro Detroit, but we, along with all of our law enforcement partners, do not stop here,” Gelios said. “This is all part of an ongoing effort to continue to free victims of human trafficking, and arrest the individuals that commit these crimes.”
The initiative is a national program led by the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, along with state and local law enforcement partners across the country.
During Operation Cross Country, nearly 100 victim specialists from the FBI’s Office for Victim Assistance provided on-scene services to recovered young victims. Services included crisis intervention as well as resources for basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention.
“The Michigan State Police continue to support the efforts to combat human trafficking and rescue victims from the manipulation and constraints of suspects who take advantage of vulnerable children and adults in our community,” Captain Monica Yesh said. “Our department is committed to working with our law enforcement partners enforcing human trafficking laws and arresting the suspects who facilitate these horrific acts.”
