Nearly 60 missing children were found in a sex-trafficking sting that involved 200 victims. The nationwide two-week sweep also arrested 126 suspects of child sexual exploitation and 68 suspected traffickers.
Tuesday, Aug. 1, the FBI said its “Operation Cross Country” initiative in July found 59 missing children, all victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Nearly every FBI field office was involved in the annual nationwide operation, now in its 13th year.
In a statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland called the rescued children “the most vulnerable members of our society.” He praised the tremendous work of the FBI for locating the minor victims and arresting those responsible for the “unspeakable” crimes.
“The FBI’s actions against this threat never waver as we continue to send our message that these atrocities will not be tolerated,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is also a significant partner in Operation Cross Country.
