7 Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting in South Florida
Many people gather to watch the World Cup matches throughout the country. These huge gatherings spur people to engage in serious crimes such as human trafficking. Law enforcement officials are aware of this and will often set up sting operations to catch those who have human trafficking victims.
This recently happened in Broward County. Seven people were arrested during a multi-agency human trafficking enforcement operation. The sting was conducted around World Cup matches in South Florida. Ten victims were rescued as a result.
The suspects, all men, were arrested as part of Operation Red Card, an initiative led by the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force as well as the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s Division of Homeland Security and Cyber Crime. The name Red Card was used in connection with the World Cup, which is a major soccer tournament that happens every four years. In soccer, a red card ejects a player from the match for a serious violation. Law enforcement delivered that same message with the sting operation.
Those arrested were all from Broward County and include:
- A 27-year-old from Greenacres
- A 26-year-old from Hollywood
- A 25-year-old from Dania Beach
- A 22-year-old from Hollywood
- A 23-year-old from Pembroke Pines
- A 32-year-old from Coral Springs
- A 50-year-old from Fort Lauderdale
Operation Red Card resulted in the rescue of 10 victims. All were connected with shelter, medical care, and counseling services. One victim was identified as a teenage runaway from outside the area and law enforcement officials reunited her with her family.
The operation also generated additional leads in human trafficking, so more arrests and charges are possible. The investigation is still underway.
Operation Red Card included participation from the multiple agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Detention, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Broward State Attorney’s Office, the Nancy J. Cotterman Center Human Trafficking Unit, and the Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Coconut Creek, and Hollywood police departments.
Florida has enacted strict laws prohibiting human trafficking. Criminal offenses may include:
- Human trafficking for forced labor or services
- Human trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation
- Benefiting financially from human trafficking
- Recruiting, transporting, harboring, or obtaining trafficking victims
- Using coercion, threats, fraud, or physical force to exploit another person
Human trafficking offenses carry severe penalties such as:
- Lengthy prison sentences
- Significant fines
- Mandatory registration requirements in certain cases
- Asset forfeiture
- Restitution to victims
- A permanent felony record
Contact a Legal Professional for Help
Human trafficking stings are common, especially when there are major sporting events, concerts, and other events where thousands of people are expected to show up. These are often federal charges that result in significant penalties.
If you have been charged with a sex offense involving a minor or other sex crime, contact a Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit right away. We will assess your case and help you get the best outcome possible. Fill out the online form or call (352) 505-1799 to schedule a consultation today.
Source:
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