Operation targeting Valley human trafficking-related crimes leads to 118 arrests

PHOENIX — A multi-agency operation targeting human trafficking-related crimes in the greater Phoenix area led to 118 arrests, authorities said Friday.

Three of those arrested had outstanding felony warrants — one of which was for a homicide in Texas — while another person was arrested after they agreed to meet an underage male who they believed they were paying to have a sexual encounter with, police said.

At least 70 subjects were offered services to make their way out of being involved in prostitution and human trafficking.

All arrests were related to luring, pandering, escort service violations and warrants, police said.

The Phoenix Police Department’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit collaborated with units from Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe, Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI.

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