Eleven people have been arrested, and four female victims were recovered, after a two-day human trafficking sting in St. Paul last week, according to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
BCA: 11 arrested after human trafficking sting in St. Paul
The two-day operation also led to the removal of four victims from trafficking situations, authorities said.
July 30, 2023 at 2:07AM
The BCA's Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force and the St. Paul Police Department conducted the operation Thursday and Friday, according to a news release.
Undercover agents posed as minors and chatted online with the suspects, who were arrested after arriving at an arranged meeting place. They were booked at the Ramsey County jail, and authorities said charges are expected in the coming days.
Ten suspects could face a felony charge for attempting to solicit a minor for prostitution. One could face a felony charge for promotion of prostitution.
Investigators found the four victims by posing as sex buyers online, said Jill Oliveira, BCA spokesperson, via email.
"If an encounter is arranged, investigators and advocates are on hand ... to help them escape their situation by providing services, resources and medical attention as needed," Oliveira said.
Breaking Free, a victim advocate organization, provided services to the victims.
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