NYPD rescues 43 human trafficking victims during World Cup
Police arrests 89 suspects during anti-trafficking operations
New York Police Department (NYPD) rescued 43 people, including seven minors, during a series of anti-human trafficking operations conducted around the FIFA World Cup, authorities said.
CBS News reported the operations took place between June 11 and July 19, with specialised detectives from the NYPD's Special Victims Unit carrying out 87 enforcement actions that led to the arrest of 89 suspects.
Seven Minors Among Those Rescued
According to the NYPD, most of those rescued were victims of sex trafficking. Authorities said the survivors are now receiving support services, including emergency housing, food and counselling.
Inspector Gary Marcus, commanding officer of the Special Victims Unit, credited the success of the operations to close collaboration between law enforcement agencies and partner organisations.
"The surprise was really the outpouring of support behind the mission and the collaboration with all our partners," Marcus said.
Operations Generate New Criminal Leads
Officials said the investigations have produced additional leads, with several cases continuing beyond the World Cup.
"We have ongoing investigations now as a result of these operations," an NYPD official told CBS News.
Authorities did not disclose further details because the investigations remain active.
Police Prepared Years Ahead of Tournament
Law enforcement agencies increased anti-trafficking efforts well before the tournament began, citing major sporting events as periods when traffickers may target host cities.
Marcus said detectives visited known human traffickers and registered sex offenders who were on parole or probation to ensure they were complying with release conditions.
He said the visits also served as a reminder that the NYPD was closely monitoring their activities throughout the World Cup.
Nationwide Effort Targeted Human Trafficking
The FIFA World Cup was hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosting eight matches, including the final.
Authorities across multiple host cities coordinated anti-trafficking operations alongside local, state and federal agencies.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the nationwide effort resulted in more than 673 human trafficking-related arrests, while 61 adults and 13 minors were rescued during the tournament.
Investigations connected to the World Cup operations are ongoing.
