Santa Clara County, California – After a two-year investigation by multiple agencies, the Santa Clara county human trafficking ring operating across several Bay Area cities has been dismantled. The operation, led by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, resulted in nine arrests and the rescue of 18 victims. District Attorney Patrick Vanier highlighted the significance of this proactive investigation, noting its importance for future human trafficking probes in the state.
The accused traffickers, hailing from various parts of California, faced court appearances with bail set in the high hundreds of thousands to millions. Six additional suspects remain at large. The defendants’ attorneys have expressed intent to contest the charges, suggesting a complex legal battle ahead.
Investigations revealed the group operated illegal brothels in homes and apartments, and continued their activities even after two members were arrested and released on bail in 2021. Victims were forced into prostitution in various hotels across San Jose, Gilroy, Hayward, and San Leandro.
A breakthrough in the case came from wiretapping cell phones, yielding 30,000 texts and calls, providing pivotal evidence. This method offered independent corroboration of the victims’ accounts, reducing their burden in court. The wiretaps also uncovered a total of 30 women, including a juvenile, trafficked from abroad.
Dubbed Operation Phoenix, the investigation aimed at liberating the victims and aiding their recovery from what the DA’s office described as a form of slavery. Nonprofit organizations like Community Solutions in the South Bay are instrumental in providing confidential support and immediate shelter for these victims, addressing their immediate needs and rights.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, contact the Women’s Rights Group for legal help and support. We are here to help.
