A human trafficking sting operation at San Diego Comic-Con, said to be the "largest comics and pop culture event in the United States," resulted in 14 arrests.
Law enforcement also recovered 10 potential victims during the sting, according to California's Attorney General's Office, which released an update on Wednesday.
"Unfortunately, sex traffickers capitalize on large scale events such as Comic-Con to exploit their victims for profit. These arrests send a clear message to potential offenders that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. "We are grateful to all our dedicated partners involved in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, whose collaboration has been invaluable."
The three-day long operation took place from July 25 to July 27 while the convention was going on. The annual event draws over 100,000 fans to San Diego each year.
"When people use these events as an opportunity to prey upon minors, [Homeland Security Investigations] and our law enforcement partners will find you and bring you before a court of law to face criminal charges. There is no place for alleged predators to operate in our city," said Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge for HSI San Diego.
The sting targeted sex buyers and focused on recovering potential victims of sex trafficking. Investigators worked undercover as sex buyers to contact potential victims of trafficking and arrest their traffickers. As part of the operation, undercover officers also posted phony advertisements soliciting sex to arrest would-be Johns.
As a result of the operation, 14 sex buyers were arrested, nine adult potential victims of sex trafficking were recovered and offered services, and one 16-year-old juvenile was recovered. Child Welfare Services and other support service advocates were on scene to provide support as needed.
"There is no more insidious crime than human trafficking," said San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez. "The coercion and violence which enslaves people for profit and places them into forced labor or sex is criminal. As the Sheriff, I support the efforts of all our justice partners in holding perpetrators accountable."