FBI finds over 220 victims of sex trafficking during nationwide operation

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The FBI announced the recovery of 84 minor victims of child sex trafficking and 37 missing children during a nationwide enforcement campaign.

The campaign, Operation Cross Country, was a nationwide focus from Aug. 11 to 14 to find offenders and victims of sex trafficking.

In addition to the identification and recovery of adolescent victims, the FBI located 141 adult victims.

Investigators also identified 85 suspects with child sexual exploitation and human trafficking offenses.  All suspects may face additional charges following further investigation.

Officials say the average age of victims during this year’s operation was 15 years old, while the youngest victim found was 11 years old.

FBI Omaha agents worked with law enforcement agencies from across the state to locate and identify six adolescent victims, who were previously labeled as high risk for exploitation.

“Human trafficking is among the most heinous crimes the FBI encounters,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a press release. “Unfortunately, such crimes—against both adults and children—are far more common than most people realize.”

Victim specialists provide assistance for victims to establish positive relationships with law enforcement and ensure the human trafficking victim population receives any appropriate resources available to them.

Services are also provided based on the individual needs of human trafficking victims including crisis intervention, emergency food and clothing, transportation and locating housing.

“The FBI and our partners will continue to find and arrest traffickers, identify and help victims, and raise awareness of the exploitation of our most vulnerable populations,” Wray said.