A successful nationwide FBI sting called Operation Cross Country XI in Detroit has saved the lives of 19 children and has put 12 pimps behind bars for sex trafficking, according to Fox 17 Online.
Operation Cross Country XI has the second highest number of lives saved in such a sting. The operation was a three-tier joint effort by the FBI, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and state and local law enforcement.
The sting stretched over 135 cities across U.S. A total of 149 children were saved, and a total of 150 pimps were arrested. The youngest victim was 12 years old, but officials haven't said where the child is from.
"Our office is pleased with the success of the operation in metro Detroit, but we, along with all of our law enforcement partners, do not stop here," said David P. Gelios, FBI Detroit Division special agent in charge. "This is all part of an ongoing effort to continue to free victims of human trafficking, and arrest the individuals that commit these crimes," said Gelios, according to Detroit News.
"The Michigan State Police continue to support the efforts to combat human trafficking and rescue victims from the manipulation and constraints of suspects who take advantage of vulnerable children and adults in our community. Our department is committed to working with our law enforcement partners enforcing human trafficking laws and arresting the suspects who facilitate these horrific acts," Monica Yesh, the MSP captain, said in a news release.
