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12-state human trafficking operation rescues 47 victims

More than 100 people were arrested overnight Thursday as part of “Operation United Front.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Authorities made 102 arrests and rescued 47 victims as part of a 12-state effort to combat human trafficking, Missouri's top law enforcement official said Friday.

Most of the arrests occurred Thursday night into Friday morning and came after a months-long investigation, state Attorney General Eric Schmitt said.

“Operation United Front” was conducted in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and South Dakota, where authorities conducted their operation during this month's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

RELATED: Monroe County Sheriff launches V.I.P.E.R. task force to combat human trafficking

Undercover law enforcement officers from federal, state and local agencies arranged meetings with potential victims or posed as victims to identify buyers or traffickers, Schmitt said.

Two of the 47 victims were minors and they were rescued in Kentucky, which had the most arrests — 46 — and where 21 victims were rescued.

The Missouri investigation was conducted at a Kansas City business and led to two arrests and the rescue of four victims.

RELATED: East Tennessee nonprofit opening first safe home for child 

survivors of sex trafficking

A successful human trafficking operation resulted in the rescue of 47 victims and 102 arrests nationwide. Missouri...

Posted by Attorney General Eric Schmitt on Friday, August 27, 2021

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