SCPD Partners with Law Enforcement Investigating Human Trafficking Task Force Resulting in Business Closure and Connecting Survivors with Advocates

Human Trafficking is a form of modern day slavery that exploits men, women and children worldwide, including in the Bay Area.

The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) works closely with the District Attorney's Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation to stop human trafficking - not only because of the personal and psychological toll it takes on society, but because it also facilitates the illegal movement of immigrants across borders and provides a ready source of income for organized crime groups and terrorists.

On January 20, 2023, SCPD served a search warrant in conjunction with the Law Enforcement Investigating Human Trafficking (LEIHT) Task Force in Santa Clara. Four human trafficking survivors were located at an illicit massage business. They were connected with survivor advocates. The business was shut down.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. You may be a victim of trafficking if someone has:

• forced you to work against your will ;
• collected a debt by using threats or forcing you to work to pay the debt;
• forced you to work using threats to harm you and/or your family;
• forced or pressured you into prostitution or to do other sexual acts;
• taken away your passport, birth certificate, or identification card to intimidate and control your movements.

If you believe someone you know might be a victim, contact National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-3737-888 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.