The Portland Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit cited 8 men in an undercover operation, conducted in April 2021. Officers posted online decoy ads on known human trafficking websites.

The subjects who contacted undercover police officers to arrange payment for sexual acts were criminally cited on the charge of Commercial Sexual Solicitation. A list of those arrested is available by e-mailing ppbpio@portlandoregon.gov .

Human trafficking is not a victimless crimes. Survivors of human trafficking may be hesitant to seek out help from law enforcement due to the fact they may have been forced, coerced, or manipulated to commit crimes and fear arrest. Cases of human trafficking often include physical, sexual, and mental abuse. From the outside they may look like domestic violence, robbery, sexual assault, or fraud. The Portland Police Bureau, in conjunction with other federal and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to deterring prostitution and human trafficking activities.

The Portland Police Bureau Human Trafficking Unit has embedded Victim Advocates available for resources and services to those who are interested. There are also many community organizations that provide help to those affected by human trafficking.

For resources related to human trafficking, contact:
National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 https://humantraffickinghotline.org/

To report tips about human trafficking, contact:
Crime Stoppers 503-823-4357
Portland Police Bureau Non-Emergency 503-823-3333
Call 9-1-1 for crimes in progress
Email: PPBhtu@portlandoregon.gov

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