Members of the Tarrant County 5 Stones Taskforce gathered in late August at the Fort Worth Police Officers Association to review their summerlong efforts against human exploitation. The monthly public meeting brought together faith-based and secular organizations, as well as law enforcement agents, to assess the impact of the FIFA World Cup on local crime and trafficking activities.
Sgt. Tarik Muslimovic, who leads the Arlington Police Department’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, presented the group’s findings to the attendees. He noted that while major sporting events do not automatically increase trafficking, the surge in population naturally elevates overall crime rates.
Muslimovic explained that with stadiums holding up to 75,000 people and another 50,000 in surrounding entertainment districts, agencies must be prepared to respond to increased criminal activity.
Prior to the influx of tourists, anti-trafficking groups held forums to raise awareness and distribute prevention resources in schools, places of worship, hospitals, and hotels. During the summer, law enforcement conducted 13 dedicated operational days, referred to as Operation Red Card. As of the August 24 meeting, these efforts resulted in 60 arrests.
The breakdown of these arrests includes 20 individuals accused of agreeing to purchase sex from an undercover officer online and 20 charged with soliciting prostitution. Additionally, 10 people were arrested for allegedly attempting to meet undercover detectives for sexual contact with a minor. Two arrests were related to narcotics charges, and eight alleged victims were arrested for possession of narcotics or outstanding warrants during investigations.
