WASHINGTON (TNND) — FBI Director Kash Patel said Tuesday that the bureau will fight human trafficking during the FIFA World Cup this summer.
“This FBI is working 24/7 to break sex and human trafficking networks worldwide, and we will be highly focused on the threat during the upcoming FIFA tournament,” Patel posted on X. “Like recent major FBI ops – Operation Iron Pursuit and 91 FBI-led Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces across the country that combine the capabilities of multiple agencies into powerful crime-fighting teams.
“Our collective work with our partners has led to record results over the past year, including 2,900 human traffickers and child predators arrested (up 70%), 7,000 child victims located and rescued (up 144%), and more,” he continued.
“During the tournament, we encourage everyone to stay alert. Victims of sex and human trafficking sometimes may be seen out in the open—traveling through airports, eating at restaurants, even living in your neighborhoods. If you see something that doesn't look right, such as signs of abuse or manipulation, report it immediately. Contact us at http://tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI, or call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888.”
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The World Cup is set to begin on June 11 in cities across North America. The championship match is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside New York City.
