DETROIT (WWJ) - Michigan State Police looking into a suspected stolen vehicle wound up rescuing suspected victims of human trafficking in Detroit on Monday night.
MSP said 18 people, both suspects and victims, were detained after investigators uncovered evidence of human trafficking while initially investigating a different case in Metro Detroit.
According to state police, the case began with a stolen vehicle investigation in Charter Township of Royal Oak, but troopers with North Metro Post felt something "wasn't quite right.
As they were conducting interviews, troopers uncovered evidence that pointed to suspected human trafficking and contacted the Second District Special Investigation Traffic Abduction Group (TAG) for additional help.
Over three days of surveillance and further analysis, authorities zeroed in on three Detroit residences where they believed victims of human trafficking were being held.
On Monday, Nov. 20th, members of the ES Team, MSP Surveillance Team and TAG detectives executes search warrants on the homes and took 18 people, identified as both suspects and victims, into custody.
Troopers did not specify exactly how many victims were detained versus how many suspects, citing the investigation.
"This is just one of the many examples of troopers looking beyond the original call," MSP 1st Lt. Mike Shaw stated. "They were able to dig and with the help of TAG help get these victims out of a horrible environment and get them the help they need."
MSP said the incident remains under investigation.
If you are a victim of human trafficking or have information of human trafficking contact the Nation Human Trafficking Hotline Line at 1-888-373-7888.
