Manila, October 25, 2019 — U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents and the Philippine National Police (PNP)-HSI Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit (TCIU) arrested two Philippine nationals and rescued seven minor victims during an anti-cybersex operation in Taguig, Philippines on October 21, 2019. The successful operation was the result of close cooperation between Philippine and U.S. authorities.
HSI Manila, the PNP-HSI TCIU, and HSI Boston coordinated a real-time surveillance operation in the U.S. and the Philippines, which led to two arrests and the rescue of seven trafficked minor victims, ranging from 2 to 14 years of age. This operation was supported by the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the International Justice Mission, a non-governmental organization.
The TCIU is comprised of 17 PNP officers who trained at the U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia. HSI TCIUs are a partnership between HSI and local law enforcement units around the world that enhance host countries’ ability to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in transnational crime.
As friends, partners, and allies, the United States and the Philippines cooperate closely to rescue trafficking victims and stop criminals operating across borders.