AG Griffin details human trafficking operation

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 187 views 

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced on Friday (Jan. 24) the execution of Operation Obscured Vision, an effort to tackle human trafficking in the state. Search warrants were executed in 12 locations across Arkansas in conjunction with this effort.

At least 16 victims were aided, $70,000 in cash and a luxury vehicle was confiscated during the raids.

Raids were conducted in Jonesboro, Russellville, Hot Springs, Rogers, Harrison, and a Little Rock hotel.

“January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the best way to prevent human trafficking and rescue its victims is to combat it on one of its key fronts: illicit massage parlors,” said Griffin. “Operation Obscured Vision was coordinated by my office’s Special Investigations Division and executed by local law enforcement and victim advocates groups to expose the pervasive issue of illicit massage parlors in Arkansas, rescue the victims of human trafficking, and permanently end the presence of illicit massage parlors in our state. Many of the women working in these illicit massage parlors are coerced to do so. One victim we interviewed stated that she is forced to work seven days a week, 13 hours per day.”

Four women were arrested. Haiyan Lu, 54, of Harrison, has been charged with one count of Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree; Qing Chen, 53, of Jonesboro, has been charged with one count of Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree; Hongliang Cai, 55, of Jonesboro, has been charged with one count of Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree; and Chunli Wang, 50, of Rogers, one count of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree.

“I appreciate the efforts of victim’s advocates and the Arkansas Department of Health, who provided language interpreters, nursing services, and other support to help victims receive comprehensive and coordinated assistance to ensure their safety and support their journey toward independence and recovery. Seventeen victims ranging in age from 29-65 were identified in the operation, sixteen accepted services from medical staff and victim’s advocates,” he said.

Participating law enforcement agencies in Operation Obscured Vision included:

  • Arkansas Attorney General’s Office Special Investigations Division
  • Arkansas State Police
  • Arkansas State Fusion Center
  • Jonesboro Police Department
  • Harrison Police Department
  • Rogers Police Department
  • Benton County Sheriff’s Office
  • Russellville Police Department
  • Little Rock Police Department
  • Hot Springs Police Department