SAN DIEGO – In a significant effort to combat human trafficking, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the results of a sting operation conducted by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF) during the San Diego Comic-Con Convention. From July 25 to 27, 2024, the task force carried out an anti-human trafficking operation targeting sex buyers and rescuing victims. This coordinated effort led to 14 arrests and the recovery of 10 victims, who were offered services and support. Comic-Con International, a massive pop culture event, draws over 100,000 fans to San Diego annually, making it a prime target for such heinous activities.
“Unfortunately, events like Comic-Con can attract those looking to exploit vulnerable individuals,” stated Attorney General Rob Bonta. “These arrests are a clear warning to those engaging in criminal activities that they will face consequences. We are deeply grateful to all our partners in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their unwavering dedication. Our office remains committed to protecting Californians in need and providing them with essential support.”
San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez emphasized the severity of human trafficking, stating, “There is no more insidious crime than human trafficking. It involves coercion and violence, enslaving people for profit. As Sheriff, I support all our justice partners in bringing perpetrators to justice, and I commend the focus on the recent convention to identify and rescue victims.”
San Diego Police Chief Wahl added, “The San Diego Police Department proudly participates in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force. This past weekend, we identified and arrested over a dozen individuals involved in illegal activities in our city, including the recovery of a 16-year-old victim. Our collective efforts are making a difference in combating human trafficking and holding offenders accountable.”
Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge for HSI San Diego, noted, “San Diego’s special events, like Comic-Con, showcase our city’s vibrant culture. However, we will not tolerate those who exploit these occasions to prey on minors. HSI, along with our law enforcement partners, will track down and prosecute these predators. We are dedicated to supporting the victims of these crimes.”
Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Carter from NCIS Southwest Field Office remarked, “Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights. Our involvement in this joint task force highlights NCIS’s commitment to protecting our service members, their families, and the broader community from such exploitation and abuse.”
The operation targeted sex buyers and aimed to recover potential victims of sex trafficking while arresting traffickers. Undercover law enforcement officers posed as sex buyers to identify and contact victims and apprehend traffickers. Additionally, they posted fake advertisements soliciting sex, resulting in the arrest of 14 sex buyers. Among those recovered were nine adult potential victims and a 16-year-old juvenile. Child Welfare Services and advocates for adult and juvenile support services were present to assist those in need.
The SDHTTF is a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the DOJ, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service also played a role in the operation.
