FBI Albuquerque is announcing the successful results of an undercover online chat investigation targeting child predators. The operation led to the arrest of fifteen individuals; all charged with crimes including child solicitation via electronic devices. Each defendant had sought to engage in sexual activity with a minor.
FBI Albuquerque Child Exploitation & Human Traffick Task Force led this Operation with assistance from: NM Department of Justice, Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, Santa Fe Police Department, 2nd Judicial District Attorney's Office, and the U.S. Attorney's Office-NM.
The FBI is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. This operation is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant, and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI, tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. You can also contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or use the electronic Cyber Tip Line. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
Additional information on how the FBI can help:
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
