Seven suspects from across Broward County have been arrested in a crackdown on human trafficking surrounding the 2026 World Cup matches in South Florida, authorities said.
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The Broward Sheriff’s Office said “Operation Red Card” targeted suspects looking to exploit minors for commercial sex acts.
The sheriff’s office worked with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and multiple police departments in the operation.
As a result, seven suspects are facing charges including human trafficking of a minor, traveling to meet a minor, solicitation of a minor, possession of MDMA and violation of probation.
The arrests include suspects from Hollywood, Dania Beach, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs.
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In addition, ten victims were rescued, including a teen runaway from out of town who was reunited with her family, BSO said.
Detectives are still investigating leads on other human trafficking incidents and more arrests could be made.
“In soccer, a red card ejects a player from the match for a serious violation. Through this operation, law enforcement delivered that same message to human traffickers. They are not welcome here,” BSO said in a news release.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking in their community can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, text “BeFree” to 233733 or call the BSO non-emergency number at 954-764-4357 or 911.
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