Philadelphia

FBI's Operation Cross Country X Nabs 44 in New Jersey, Philadelphia-Area Human Trafficking Bust

Dozens of pimps, prostitutes and associates were arrested in the Philadelphia area and New Jersey under international efforts to combat underage human trafficking, said the FBI.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports federal authorities said 15 pimps and associates were arrested in the Philadelphia area as part of Operation Cross Country X.

"Each year, Operation Cross Country shines a spotlight on the scourge of child sex trafficking," said Michael Harpster, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. "Sadly, children are being sexually exploited in our area—and across the country—every single day. The FBI and its partners on our Child Exploitation Task Forces will never stop working to find and free them and ensure traffickers are brought to justice."

Authorities in Newark, New Jersey say a 17-year-old was rescued in that state as part of the operation, and 29 prostitutes and pimps were arrested.

The FBI said 239 child-sex traffickers and their associates were arrested and 82 children were rescued from Oct. 13 to 16.

"Operation Cross Country aims to shine a spotlight into the darkest corners of our society that seeks to prey on the most vulnerable of our population," said FBI Director James Comey. "As part of this effort, we are not only looking to root out those who engage in the trafficking of minors, but through our Office of Victim Assistance, we offer a lifeline to minors to help them escape from a virtual prison no person ever deserves."

Operations took place at locations including hotels, truck stops and street corners.

Anonymous tips can be made by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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