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Several arrests made in human trafficking raids across SoCal
Federal and local law enforcement officers arrested several people Wednesday during a crackdown on sex trafficking along the Figueroa Corridor south of downtown Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES - An early morning sweep across South Los Angeles and Orange County has dismantled a highly violent sex trafficking enterprise, leading to the indictment of 18 individuals.
The coordinated law enforcement action marks the second phase of "Operation Broken Blade," a multi-agency crackdown targeting handlers and gang members' exploitation operations.
What we know:
Federal agencies, including the FBI, IRS, and the Department of Homeland Security, partnered with the LAPD SWAT team to execute simultaneous raids early Wednesday morning to prevent suspects from alerting one another.
The sweep targeted members of a South LA street gang known for committing extreme violence against anyone interfering with their financial enterprise.
Seventeen men and one woman face extensive federal charges, including sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, assault, robbery, and kidnapping.
Suspects identified in the indictment include individuals using gang monikers such as "Tommy Gunz," "Popkorn," and "Chop Em."
The operation centered heavily on the prostitution trade along the Figueroa corridor. Investigators revealed that the enterprise targeted vulnerable juvenile victims, some as young as 14, who had run away from the foster care system.
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Operation Broken Blade targeting South LA Figueroa corridor
At least 11 people have been charged in connection with a sex trafficking raid.
Allegations detailed in the case include severe physical beatings, a victim being bitten so harshly her cheek required surgical reattachment, and pregnant teenagers forced to undergo abortions.
A key location in the raid was the Stadium Inn and Spas, a motel located at Vermont Avenue and 104th Street.
The onsite manager, who lived at the property with his family, was arrested and is accused of facilitating and financially benefiting from the human trafficking operation.
What they're saying:
Jose Gonzalez with IRS Criminal Investigations emphasized the role of financial forensics in breaking the enterprise.
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Feds lead multiple human trafficking raids in South LA
The raids are part of phase two of Operation Broken Blade, the latest crackdown on sex traffickers on the Figueroa Corridor in South Los Angeles.
"An IRS criminal investigation is here today because the money told the story. As alleged, individuals associated with this location hid large amounts of illicit cash, manipulated records, and structured deposits to conceal proceeds from sex trafficking activities. Working together with our law enforcement partners, IRCI followed the financial trail and helped disrupt those that profit from exploiting others. That is our mission to follow the money and hold those offenders accountable," Gonzalez said.
What's next:
The 18 defendants will face arraignment on federal charges in court.
The IRS is continuing a federal investigation into the owners of the Stadium Inn and Spas to determine how much they knew about the illegal operations on their property.
Investigators are thoroughly reviewing the motel's manipulated occupancy records, which were allegedly altered to evade municipal occupancy taxes and conceal illicit cash flows.
Law enforcement agencies are scheduled to hold a press conference at 9:30 a.m. to provide an update and release further details regarding the scope of Operation Broken Blade.