Authorities arrested 27 suspected sex buyers and recovered nine suspected human trafficking victims during a three-day sting operation timed to coincide with Comic-ConInternational in San Diego,officials announced Wednesday.
Operation Iron Justice ran from July 22 to July 24 and targeted the demand for commercial sex that authorities say often increases during large events such as Comic-Con. At least seven adult and two juvenile victims were rescued.
The multi-agency San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force used undercover officers to identify and arrest people suspected of soliciting prostitution, loitering to solicit prostitution and related offenses.
Investigators also located seven adult trafficking victims and two juvenile victims, including a 16-year-old from San Bernardino County who had been reported missing. Officials said all of the victims were connected with support services.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the operation focused on reducing the demand that fuels human trafficking.
“The ugly truth is that the demand for these illegal services fuels the supply of commercial sex operations and human trafficking,” Bonta said. “No matter if it’s around large-scale conventions or anywhere else, solicitation is a crime and California stands ready to hold offenders accountable.”
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said the arrests should send a clear message that buying sex is not a victimless crime.
“The message we sent was loud and clear that human beings are not for sale,” Stephan said. “The arrests of 27 sex buyers during this large-scale gathering sends a clear message that purchasing sex is not a victimless crime.”
While San Diego County District Attorney Heather Ferbert added, “The demand for commercial sex is what makes trafficking profitable, and in the City of San Diego, buyers will be held accountable. My office filed 81 cases against sex buyers so far this year, leveraging state law that now targets buyers directly.”
“The recovery of adult and juvenile victims during this operation underscores why this work is so critical,” San Diego County Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez said. “Human trafficking is a crime that often goes unnoticed. Every successful recovery is a life changed.”
Stephan said the commercial sex trade generates more than $810 million a year in San Diego County and profits from the exploitation of both children and adults.
Authorities conduct similar anti-trafficking operations during Comic-Con each year. Last year’s enforcement effort resulted in 13 arrests.
San Diego’s Comic-Con welcomed around 135,000 people this year, generating a whopping $160 million for the local economy.
Officials encouraged the public to report suspected human trafficking or related crimes. Anyone who believes they or someone they know may be a victim can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 for confidential support. Victims can also seek assistance through the California Department of Justice’s Victims’ Services Unit by calling 877-433-9069 or visiting its website.
