Sex trafficking ring broken up at Northern Quest
By Terry Murry on Thursday, December 22nd, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The FBI, along with several other law enforcement agencies, conducted an anti-sex-trafficking operation on Dec. 14 at Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights. Authorities said the operation resulted in contacts with six women involved in trafficking, commercial sex work, or both.
The Spokane Police Department said the primary purpose of these operations is twofold – identifying traffickers and providing resources for sex trafficked victims. In one instance, task force members were able to connect a trafficked juvenile with her family and begin an investigation into those responsible for trafficking her.
Four of the adult females contacted in this operation were referred to advocates who are skilled in providing services to help move women out of the sex trade lifestyle. Another contact resulted in a woman being arrested on a felony assault and theft warrant.
SPD said sex trafficking can happen anywhere and is reported to be the fastest growing criminal industry in the world today. Anyone with concerns about human trafficking can contact the FBI Child and Human Trafficking Task Force at Inlandnwht@fbi.gov, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or message “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733.
