Eight people were arrested during an anti-human trafficking sting conducted earlier this month in San Diego and National City, the California Attorney General’s Office announced Friday.
The multi-agency San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force conducted “Operation Better Pathways” from Aug. 12 through Aug. 15 in “areas known for sexual exploitation” within the two cities.
Along with the eight arrests, the A.G.’s office said 13 “potential victims and survivors” — including one minor — were “recovered and offered support services” as a result of the operation. The eight people were arrested on suspicion of four felonies and four misdemeanors, though the A.G.’s office didn’t specify what those alleged crimes were.
Operation Better Pathways involved undercover officers posing as people offering sex for sale as a way to target commercial sex buyers. The task force also conducted surveillance and used “various investigative techniques to directly identify and stop alleged human trafficking and sexual exploitation in real time,” the A.G.’s office said.
“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation have no place in California,” California Attorney General Bonta said in a statement. “Through Operation Better Pathways, we’re fighting to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors get a fresh start.”
The California Attorney General’s Office said anyone who is or knows someone who may be a victim can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access help and services.