ST PAUL, Minn. — An undercover operation led by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the St. Paul Police Department has resulted in the arrest of 11 people.
According to the Minnesota BCA, arrestees chatted online with undercover agents and investigators who were posing as minors or sex buyers.
All of the suspects were arrested as they arrived at an arranged meeting place for an "encounter."
Ten were arrested on probable cause felony solicitation of a minor under 18 for prostitution and one was arrested for probable cause promotion of prostitution.
The BCA said four female victims were also recovered from the trafficking situation.
The operation was conducted from July 27-28.
“Good police work doesn’t happen without law enforcement coming together, and because of that partnership these individuals can no longer do harm,” Saint Paul Police Chief Axel Henry said in a release.
The BCA added "If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of being trafficked, call 911. To report a suspected trafficking situation, call the BCA at 877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us."
Victims can also get help by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or sending the text HELP to 233733.
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