Police: 17 Human Trafficking Victims Rescued in Brooklyn Center Hotel Raids

Brooklyn Center police said their multi-agency raid on four hotels last week rescued more than a dozen victims of human trafficking.

According to a press release, 17 girls and women who were victimized have been connected with public services and assistance.

“Behind that number are 17 individual people who have experienced exploitation and now have access to support and an opportunity for something different,” Brooklyn Center Police Chief Garett Flesland said. “Connecting people with assistance is an important step. Their needs, and the work of supporting them, continue well beyond the day of the operation.”

According to police, as the investigation continues, additional victims may be identified.

Police also arrested five additional suspects connected to last week’s raids, bringing the total to 28 people booked on allegations including human trafficking, drug possession, drug manufacturing and illegal gun possession.

Jail records show that some of the individuals that were arrested in the operation have now been released.

“Although some of the arrested individuals have been released from custody while cases continued to be processed, I’m expecting numerous criminal complaints in the [near] future resulting from the ongoing investigations,” Flesland told CCX News in an email.

According to the press release, police have now seized $43,494 in cash as part of the ongoing investigation. That’s a significant increase from last week, when Flesland told reporters the operation had seized $9,000 in cash.

“I’ve been a cop for 26 years. I’ve never been a part of an investigation this complex, this large,” said Flesland last week during a press conference. “This investigation — it’s just starting. We’re going to get the help to the people that deserve the help, the people that need the help. But we’re also going to track and figure out who should be held accountable.”

Related: 23 People Arrested in Brooklyn Center Hotel Raids

Brooklyn Center