McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — The Department of Homeland Security says a recent international investigation resulted in the location of 19 child sexual abuse victims and the active rescue of four victims.
Operation Renewed Hope II was launched Feb. 26 through March 8 by Homeland Security Investigations, or HSI, and was the second in the United States involving international law enforcement agencies.
HSI investigators worked with agencies on hundreds of cold cases where the previously unknown victims of online child sexual exploitation and abuse were discovered.
“These members of our workforce are heroes,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said. “The victims of these heinous acts will receive our unwavering support as we work to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
“The exploitation of innocent children is a global issue that requires worldwide efforts to combat,” HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina Berger said. “HSI is committed to continuing our work with U.S. and international partners to identify and rescue victims while bringing to justice those criminals who exploit children.”
Over 95,000 files were analyzed, which is about 64 hours of streamed video footage, investigators said. Partnering agencies included law enforcement in: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.
Members of the public who suspect a child might be a victim of exploitation are urged to call the HSI tip line at 866-347-2423 or fill out the online tip form.
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