Trafficking sweep nets 2 pimps, 2 kids in Philly area
A nationwide human trafficking sweep - dubbed Operation Cross Country IX - netted 149 child victims, two of whom came from the Philadelphia area, and 153 pimps, two of whom also came from the Philadelphia area, according to the FBI.
A nationwide human trafficking sweep - dubbed Operation Cross Country IX - netted 149 child victims, two of whom came from the Philadelphia area, and 153 pimps, two of whom also came from the Philadelphia area, according to the FBI.
The sweep, which was conducted last week, was led by the FBI, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and local law enforcement agencies in each of the jurisdictions.
According to the FBI, the youngest victim recovered was 12 years old. The majority of the victims were girls, but there were three boys and three transgender minors saved as well.
A news release from the FBI's Philadelphia Division said that two underage victims were recovered and two pimps were arrested in the Philadelphia area as part of the operation.
The FBI could not immediately provide any additional details on the circumstances of those recoveries or arrests, but the FBI did thank law enforcement agencies in Philadelphia, Upper Merion Township, Tinicum Township and Bensalem in its news release.
According to a story on NJ.com, six children were recovered and two pimps were arrested in New Jersey as part of the sweep.
Operation Cross Country IX is in its ninth year, according to the FBI, and 135 cities were targeted this year as part of the initiative. According to the release, investigators conducted stings in "hotels, casinos, truck stops and in other areas known to be frequented by prostitutes, sex traffickers and their customers."