72 Sex Slaves, Including 5 Children, Freed in FBI International Sting Operation

Leah Marieann Klett : Oct 25, 2016
Gospel Herald

"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." -FBI Director James Comey

(Olympia, WA)—[Gospel Herald] Earlier this week, federal agents and local and Washington state police arrested 14 people suspected of forcing a staggering 72 people into prostitution, including five children. (Photo via Gospel Herald)

According to the Spokesman-Review, all 72 victims were freed following "Operation Cross Country X"—the 10th sting since 2008.

"Victims and the pimps travel throughout eastern and western Washington to work and do not necessarily reside in the area where they were located this week," the FBI said about the sting.

The FBI reportedly used undercover agents to make contact with the sex slaves while they canvassed the areas frequented by the women and their pimps. Some of the freed women, according to KREM-TV, had been forced into slavery when they were just children.

The operation is a part of a wider initiative aimed to prosecute sex slavery that has spanned the United States and other countries including Cambodia, Canada, the Philippines and Thailand.

"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, announcing the results of the operation during a press conference in San Diego. "We are not only looking to root out those who engage in the trafficking of minors, but through our Office for Victim Assistance, we offer a lifeline to minors to help them escape from a virtual prison no person ever deserves."

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