The Maui News
The FBI Honolulu Division and local law enforcement officials have located 11 missing youth who were victims of or at risk for sex trafficking during a nationwide campaign called “Operation Cross Country.”
The FBI-led initiative, in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, focused on identifying and locating victims of sex trafficking and investigating and arresting individuals and criminal enterprises involved in both child sex and human trafficking, a FBI news release said Tuesday.
According to the FBI Honolulu Division, the missing youth were recovered from Oahu and Hawaii island.
Law enforcement agencies conducted targeted operations to identify and apprehend offenders, dismantling criminal networks and preventing further harm to victims, the news release said. The suspects may face charges in the future.
Locally, the Honolulu FBI worked with law enforcement and social service partners that included the Maui Police Department, Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Missing Child Center Hawaii, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Susanna Wesley Community Center and Hawaii Child Welfare Services.
“Operation Cross Country XIII exemplifies our unwavering dedication to protect our vulnerable keiki,” FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill said. “Our goal is clear: to hold those who exploit them accountable. By providing resources and in collaboration with our community, we aim to cultivate safer communities so our keiki can thrive within. Together, we can champion their protection and well-being, leaving no room for exploitation.”
For information on the FBI Victim Services Division, visit fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services.
For information on the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children program, visit fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/vcac. For information on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, visit missingkids.org or call the 24/7 call center number at (800) THE-LOST (843-5678).
Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rq3UoqWer6NjsLC5jqecsKtfobykrctmpZ6vo2R%2FcX6SaGdxZ2Fmeq610qygp59drry2wMdmnaitnpl6qrqMqKeeqpGptrC6jJypqKujYrCwwc2tqbJn