During the San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend, authorities conducted a human trafficking sting operation that resulted in 14 arrests and the recovery of 10 victims. The operation, which took place from July 25-27, was carried out by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force under the California Department of Justice.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the challenge of sex traffickers exploiting large-scale events like Comic-Con for their illicit activities. He commended the collaborative efforts of the task force partners and highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting and guiding victims through recovery.
The sting involved undercover law enforcement officers posing as sex buyers to identify and arrest traffickers. Authorities also used undercover ads to target and arrest individuals seeking illegal services. The operation successfully recovered nine adult victims and one juvenile, with support services available for all of them.
San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez condemned human trafficking as a deeply egregious crime and supported the focused efforts of law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable. The Sheriff acknowledged the importance of the operation in rescuing victims and enforcing justice.
The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, including the DOJ, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and local police departments. The sting was part of a broader initiative to combat human trafficking, especially during high-profile events like Comic-Con, which attracts over 100,000 attendees annually.
