Thirteen people were arrested recently as part of human trafficking stings in Massachusetts and Rhode Island linked to the World Cup. The FBI Boston said they had arrested seven people in Massachusetts during a sting operation that took place between June 12-16 as part of an ongoing effort to combat human trafficking during the World Cup.

Massachusetts Arrests

The seven suspects were arraigned in Brockton District Court on charges including sex for a fee with a child under 18, enticement of a child under 16, and attempted rape of a child. The FBI said East Bridgewater, New Bedford, Peabody, and Randolph police all contributed to the investigation, with assistance from police in Boston, Brockton, Massachusetts State Police, and the FBI’s Albany Division.

Rhode Island Arrests

Rhode Island State Police also announced six arrests as part of the ongoing effort to reduce human trafficking. The operation targeted individuals looking to engage in commercial sex acts, child exploitation, and other activities associated with human trafficking. Those arrested included individuals charged with attempted enticement, indecent solicitation of a minor, and electronically disseminating indecent material to a minor.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.