SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IN PERU? KNOW HOW TO REPORT IT

Major Human Trafficking Bust in Peru

Lima, Peru - Peruvian authorities have made a significant arrest and rescue operation against human trafficking and sex exploitation. The operation was carried out in collaboration with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), resulting in the arrest of six individuals and the rescue of 36 victims.

Key Statistics

• Number of Arrests: 6 individuals, including 1 US citizen
• Number of Victims Rescued: 36, including 11 minors as young as 4 years old
• Possible Sentence: Up to 25 years imprisonment for human trafficking of minors, pimping, and pandering

The Investigation

According to the Peruvian Attorney General’s Office, the victims were being exploited in sex tourism. Some of them were offered for as much as $7,000 in exchange for their exploitation.

The operation was part of HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative launched in 2003 to protect children from sexual predators. Since its inception, HSI has arrested over 12,000 individuals for crimes against children.

Reporting Suspected Child Predators

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators or any suspicious activity through their toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. The line is staffed around the clock by investigators who can also be reached online through HSI’s tip form.

Additionally, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, offers a 24-hour hotline to report suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children at 1-800-THE-LOST.