Nearly 100 suspected human trafficking victims were rescued and 71 people were arrested in statewide operations conducted before and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced Monday.
The multiagency effort recovered 97 suspected victims and resulted in the arrests of 40 alleged buyers of commercial sex and 31 people accused of other offenses.
The Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police led the operations with assistance from 44 local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Dozens of enforcement and outreach details were conducted across several counties between May and July.
Davenport said the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police “worked seamlessly with partners at different levels of government, leading to the recovery of dozens of residents suffering through exploitation and trauma.”
“While the World Cup highlighted the importance of the work we do each day to fight human trafficking, that mission is a priority for our office,” Davenport stated. “We will be unrelenting in providing assistance to victims and ensuring accountability for perpetrators long after the international spotlight fades.”
The operations coincided with the international soccer tournament, which concluded Sunday with the World Cup final in New Jersey. State officials said major sporting events can create opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable people.
Detectives worked with Covenant House, Volunteers of America and the State Police’s Operation RISE to identify potential victims and offer services that include housing, mental health care, legal assistance and treatment for substance use disorders.
The criminal cases are being handled by the county prosecutor’s offices where the arrests occurred. Some of the operations also generated ongoing investigations.
Ahead of the World Cup, state officials sent information about trafficking warning signs to licensed medical and cosmetology professionals. Hotels, motels, massage businesses and online payment platforms were also reminded of their legal obligations to prevent trafficking.
New Jersey also provided training to municipal fire inspectors and code enforcement officers and launched a public awareness campaign at airports, hotels, transportation hubs and World Cup fan venues.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking may call 855-END-NJ-HT. Victims or people seeking assistance may contact Covenant House at 862-240-2453.
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