Peruvian authorities, working with ongoing support from Aerial Recovery, rescued eight girls and one boy, ages 13 to 18, from a brothel operating deep within a remote jungle community. The victims sexually exploitation by the establishment's owner, and multiple suspects are now in custody as investigations continue to identify additional perpetrators.
The rescued minors, all economically vulnerable youth, represent the harsh reality that traffickers prey on society's most defenseless. Some were forced from their homes by crushing poverty, while others were fleeing domestic abuse, only to fall victim to a different form of violence and exploitation.
"Every rescue reinforces why this fight matters," said Britnie Turner, Co-founder of Aerial Recovery. "These nine children represent not just statistics, but individual lives that deserve safety, dignity, and hope. We're committed to standing with them through every step of their healing journey."
Building on a Foundation of Success
This latest rescue continues Aerial Recovery's expanding impact in Peru, building on two major operations earlier this year that demonstrated the power of international cooperation in combating human trafficking networks.
In June, Aerial Recovery supported a massive coordinated operation across Northern Lima that rescued 18 female victims and led to the arrest of 10 high-level members of the violent transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua. That operation involved over 500 law enforcement officers and more than 20 targeted raids, exposing how traffickers use falsified documents to disguise victims' ages and operate behind the facades of legitimate businesses.
Just weeks later in July, another joint operation dismantled the "Andahuaylas Train" trafficking network, rescuing 10 young girls from a heavily fortified rural brothel hidden behind an 18-foot metal wall. The facility's sophisticated security measures, including surveillance cameras and armed guards, revealed the calculated cruelty of organized trafficking operations.
Comprehensive Survivor Support
Following each rescue, Aerial Recovery's commitment extends far beyond the initial operation. Working alongside local social workers and community partners, the organization's Humanitarian Special Operators are now providing comprehensive, trauma-informed aftercare to all nine survivors from the jungle operation.
"Rescue is just the beginning," explained Turner. "True restoration requires ongoing support, ensuring these young people have access to medical care, psychological support, educational opportunities, and the time and space they need to heal."
The organization's culturally sensitive approach is particularly crucial given that many survivors come from indigenous communities, requiring specialized understanding of their backgrounds and needs.
The Ongoing Fight
These successive operations highlight both the scope of the trafficking crisis in Latin America and the tangible impact possible when governments, nonprofits, and communities work together. Aerial Recovery's veteran-led team brings unique expertise to these partnerships, providing technical assistance, surveillance equipment, and trained undercover personnel to support local authorities' efforts.
"What we've accomplished in Peru this year, rescuing 45 victims rescued across three major operations, proves that evil can be stopped when good people rise up together," said Turner. "But this work is only possible because of supporters who understand that fighting trafficking requires sustained commitment, not just headlines."
How You Can Help
Each survivor's journey to restoration requires months or years of specialized care, education support, and protection. Aerial Recovery's aftercare programs ensure that rescue operations translate into lasting freedom and opportunity for those who have endured unimaginable trauma. Please consider a gift to the Global Rescue Fund.
Your support directly funds:
- Trauma-informed counseling and medical care
- Educational opportunities and vocational training
- Safe housing and protection services
- Long-term mentorship and life skills development
As investigations into the jungle operation continue and additional perpetrators are identified, Aerial Recovery remains committed to supporting both law enforcement efforts and survivor care for as long as needed.
