CALIFORNIA – California authorities have arrested 14 individuals and rescued ten victims during an operation targeting sex trafficking at the San Diego Comic-Con convention.
The annual event, held from July 25 to 28, attracts over 100,000 comic and pop culture enthusiasts to the city.
According to officials, traffickers exploited Comic-Con to identify potential victims. The California Human Trafficking Task Force, in collaboration with several law enforcement agencies, conducted an operation during the convention that led to multiple arrests.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, “Unfortunately, sex traffickers capitalize on large-scale events like Comic-Con to exploit their victims for profit.” Bonta emphasized that these arrests send a strong message to criminals that such actions will not be tolerated.
During the Comic-Con raid, police focused on identifying sex buyers, rescuing potential victims, and arresting traffickers. The California Department of Justice reported that officers posed as sex buyers to detect and apprehend traffickers.
Additionally, undercover ads were posted seeking sexual services to catch buyers.
In total, 14 sex buyers were arrested. Among the rescued victims were nine adults and one 16-year-old minor. All received assistance and social services.
The operation at San Diego Comic-Con underscores the need for coordinated and ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. Collaboration between law enforcement agencies and vigilance at large events are crucial for protecting victims and ensuring perpetrators face justice.
