Fourteen people were arrested and 10 sex trafficking victims rescued in an undercover operation at the Comic-Con convention in San Diego.
He California The Justice Department led the operation at the annual event, which celebrates superheroes, comics and pop culture, from July 25 to 27.
Anti-human trafficking task force agents posed as sex buyers and posted undercover ads soliciting sex during the three-day operation.
Fourteen alleged sex buyers were arrested and face solicitation charges, while nine adult potential victims and a 16-year-old girl were rescued, according to prosecutors.
“Child welfare services and adult and youth support services advocates were on scene to provide necessary support,” officials said in a statement.
He San Diego The Comic-Con convention told Sky partner NBC News that the results of the operation were “very disturbing” and that they were not aware of the problem.
“It is our understanding that the arrests were made outside of the event. We work closely with a variety of law enforcement entities throughout the year and stand ready to assist in any way we can,” he said.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement that sex traffickers “take advantage of large-scale events like Comic-Con to export their victims for profit.”
“These arrests send a clear message to potential criminals that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated,” he said.
“We are grateful to all of our dedicated partners involved in the San Diego Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, whose collaboration has been invaluable.
“We are very proud of our office’s commitment to helping vulnerable Californians by offering assistance and guidance when they need it most.”
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Stars in this year’s edition Comic-Conwhich has attracted more than 130,000 visitors in recent years, included Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackmanwho promoted his film Deadpool and Wolverine, and star of Iron Man. Robert Downey Jr.
The 59-year-old announced that return to the Marvel film franchise as the villain Doctor Doom.
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