A large human trafficking ring has been busted thanks in-part to the hard work of investigators here in the metro.
The Douglas County Sheriff's says they have wrapped up a lengthy investigation involving international human trafficking suspects operating in the Midwest. Officials say the complex investigation focused on websites such as Backpage and City Vibe. Ads on the sites would offer erotic massage and escort services by Asian females, but it was determined that they served as covers for prostitution services. The services were offered in dozens of U.S cities, with the profits being funneled to several Asian based stakeholders in the U.S.
“Operation Extended Stay” spanned over a year and came to a conclusion on April 10th when federal and local agencies choreographed simultaneous multiple search warrants executions for operations in:
- Omaha, NE
- Bakersfield, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Orlando, FL
- Lafayette, LA
- St Louis, MO
- Kansas City, MO
This investigation was completed in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Postal Inspection Service with help from:
- Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
- Nebraska State Patrol
- Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
- Wichita Police Department
Undercover officers and hundreds of man hours went into physical and electronic surveillance, preparing subpoenas, executing search warrants and data analysis during the investigation. The “Omaha Model” was advanced to all branches participating in the effort as the template for success.
Through the communal efforts fifteen Asian females, whose travel and client communication was well coordinated by call centers based in Florida and California, were arrested. A number of other female “contractors” were also identified, with additional criminal charges expected for at least three “owners.”
Investigators were able to identify numerous assets obtained directly from the application of illicit funds from prostitution in the form of bank accounts, safety deposit boxes, jewelry, gold bullion, investment portfolios, residences, and vehicles. Preliminary estimates place assets between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000 dollars.