California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Tuesday that authorities have arrested 14 people and rescued 10 victims in a human trafficking investigation at the San Diego Comic-Con convention.
The coordinated operation took place at the star-studded convention from Thursday through Saturday and involved local and state special agents, according to the statement. Bonta's OfficeAccording to a statement from Bonta's office, “Comic-Con International is a comic book and pop culture event that draws more than 100,000 fans to San Diego each year. Unfortunately, sex traffickers use large events like Comic-Con to exploit their victims and profit from them. This arrest sends a clear message to potential predators that their criminal activities will not be tolerated.”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 28: A general view of the atmosphere on day four of 2024 Comic-Con International on July 28, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)
“The anti-trafficking operations targeted sex buyers and focused on rescuing potential sex trafficking victims and arresting traffickers,” officials said. “Law enforcement officers conducted undercover operations posing as sex buyers to identify and contact potential trafficking victims and arrest traffickers.”
The Attorney General's office added, “Undercover officers also posted undercover ads soliciting prostitution in order to apprehend pimps. The three-day investigation resulted in the arrest of 14 pimps, the protection and provision of services to nine potential adult sex trafficking victims, and the rescue of one 16-year-old minor.”
It also said supporters from child welfare services and adult and youth support services had been called in to provide support to the victim.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: California Attorney General Rob Bonta attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 32nd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 10, 2024 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Dia Dipaspiru/WireImage) Getty Images
“We thank all of our dedicated partners in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, whose collaboration is invaluable,” Bonta's office added.
“There is no crime more insidious than human trafficking,” said San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez. “The coercion and violence used to enslave people and force them into labor or sex acts for profit is a crime. As Sheriff, I support the efforts of all of our law enforcement partners to hold perpetrators accountable.”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 28: (From left) Flintstones cosplayers Shelley Grace as Wilma, Ed Gonzalez as Fred, Miguel Cappuccino as Barney, and Lucy Cappuccino as Betty pose during day four of 2024 Comic-Con International on July 28, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)
Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Davis of the San Diego Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) commented on the operation:
“San Diego takes pride in hosting special events like Comic-Con, and these well-attended events give us an opportunity to showcase our beautiful and growing city. But when people use these events as an opportunity to prey on minors, HSI and our law enforcement partners will find you, take you to court and face criminal charges.”RELATED: Stevie J releases behind-the-scenes footage of Diddy's lavish party amid sex trafficking investigation
The identity of the young victim remains protected.
