A multi-day sting operation conducted at the San Diego Comic-Con Convention has led to the arrest of 14 individuals and the rescue of 10 victims, including a 16-year-old girl, authorities announced Tuesday. The operation, executed by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, targeted human sex trafficking during one of the largest pop culture events held annually at the San Diego Convention Center.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta revealed that law enforcement officers went undercover as sex buyers and posted ads seeking sex to identify and apprehend traffickers. This strategic approach aimed to both capture offenders and locate potential victims.
“The Comic-Con Convention, with its substantial attendance, presents an opportunity for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals,” Bonta said. “These arrests send a clear message that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated.”
Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to addressing these crimes. “When people use these events as an opportunity to prey upon minors, HSI and our law enforcement partners will find you and bring you before a court of law to face criminal charges,” Davis stated. “There is no place for alleged predators to operate in our city.”
The Comic-Con event, which concluded on Sunday, attracts over 100,000 attendees each summer, making it a prime target for such illegal activities. The operation underscores the ongoing vigilance of authorities to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.