NYPD: Dozens rescued from sex trafficking during World Cup

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A startling look at the dark side of the World Cup Games: The matches are over, but multiple sex trafficking investigations are just beginning.

The NYPD says it rescued 43 women, including seven children from sex trafficking over the past month.

"It's horrific," said Inspector Gary Marcus, the Commanding Officer of the NYPD's Special Victims Unit.

"It's something our detectives deal with year round, day in and day out," said Inspector Marcus. "That's the number one goal, rescuing and ensuring that these survivors have a fighting chance."

The NYPD says it has arrested 89 people for sex trafficking-related offenses. That includes human traffickers, buyers, parole violators and sex offenders not in compliance with the terms of their release.

Some of the tips came from the city's trafficking hotline (646-610-7272) and others leads were developed by detectives working behind the scenes both online and on the street.

"Some survivors were found in hotels, some were found before anything actually happened and we were able to intercept them in transit," said Inspector Marcus. "Others were taken out of residences where they were being held against their will."

The NYPD is partnering with nonprofits like Restore NYC to get the survivors help.

"The work is so dark, but yet when you see survivors have the courage to leave trafficking, stay out and then build a new life, there's nothing more powerful," said Beck Sullivan, CEO of Restore NYC.

"It's extremely challenging because it's not just getting out it's then what happens after they're out," said Sullivan. "Often the victims are relying on the trafficker for food and for housing and for the basic needs."

Eyewitness News first spoke with the NYPD earlier this summer as they announced increased patrols for trafficking activity before the games.

"People are going to be looking to exploit," said Kathleen Bear, the NYPD's Asst. Commissioner for Gender-Based Violence Policy and Planning.

"There are people here, tourists from all over the world, they're going to be looking to purchase sexual acts for money and pimps and traffickers are here to exploit them," she said.

----------
DO YOU NEED A STORY INVESTIGATED? Dan Krauth and the 7 On Your Side Investigates team at Eyewitness News want to hear from you! Call our confidential tip line 1-877-TIP-NEWS (847-6397) or fill out the form BELOW.

You can also contact Dan Krauth directly:

Email your questions, issues, or story ideas to 7OnYourSideDan@abc.com

Facebook: DanKrauthReports

Twitter: @ DanKrauthABC7

Instagram: @DanKrauth