JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The FBI Jacksonville Division announced Monday that it has identified and located at least seven potential human trafficking victims, including one adolescent. It’s part of a nationwide effort called “Operation Cross Country”.
Over a two week period in August, FBI Jacksonville, with the support of ten law enforcement agencies across North Florida, arrested three people for investigation of human trafficking related offenses. The agency also identified six adult potential human trafficking victims and contacted another 46 people for further investigation to determine if they are being trafficked.
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In partnership with JSO, FBI Jacksonville recovered one at-risk minor who was reported missing from another state in early 2022.
“Human Trafficking is modern day slavery, and it’s happening across this country, in communities of all sizes,” said Sherri E. Onks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “When human beings are treated as commodities, they are not only being abused physically, but emotionally and financially. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue throughout the year to collaborate at every level, to protect victims, especially innocent children, and disrupt and dismantle organizations responsible for this heinous, illegal activity.”
Watch the video below for more on the national FBI effort to crack down on human trafficking.