(Washington, D.C./Atlanta) The FBI, working with its state and local partners, identified and located 200 victims of sex trafficking during a nationwide enforcement campaign, called “Operation Cross Country.” The operation also led to the identification or arrest of 126 suspects of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking offenses and 68 suspects of trafficking were identified or arrested.

Locally, FBI agents from the Atlanta Division worked with law enforcement partners from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Atlanta Police Department, and Dunwoody Police Department to identify and locate 10 adolescent victims during this two-week operation. One actively missing youth was also found. In total, two arrests were made locally with charges of enticement and interference of custody. These two investigations are ongoing.

Editor’s note: b-roll from Operation Cross Country XII operations can be found/downloaded here: Operation Cross Country 2023 B-Roll

B-roll shot locally from last year’s Operation Cross Country can be found here: Operation Cross Country 2022 B-Roll — FBI

And here: https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/operation-cross-country-08142022.mp4/view

The FBI-led nationwide initiative, in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), focused on identifying and locating victims of sex trafficking and investigating and arresting individuals and criminal enterprises involved in both child sex and human trafficking. Law enforcement agencies conducted targeted operations to identify and apprehend offenders, dismantling criminal networks and preventing further harm to victims. Those suspects identified will be subject to additional investigation for potential charges.

The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to combating child exploitation and human trafficking. Operation Cross Country is just one facet of the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society and hold offenders accountable. The FBI encourages continued vigilance, cooperation, and reporting from the public to help identify and recover victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

Resources:

• Victim Services Division
• Crimes Against Children
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
• NCMEC’s 24/7 call center number: 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678)