In a coordinated anti-trafficking operation, Aerial Recovery personnel joined forces with the Specialized Prosecutor's Office Against Organized Crime (FECOR) and the Peruvian National Police (PNP) Division of Investigation Against Organized Crime in a decisive strike against human trafficking in Northern Lima. The joint mission, dubbed "Operation Rear Window," resulted in the rescue of 30 female victims and the arrest of 6 suspects connected to the criminal network known as "Los Captadores del Norte,” or The Captors of the North.
The coordinated operation targeted three establishments used as fronts for forced labor and sexual exploitation. The traffickers systematically recruited vulnerable women under false pretenses, luring them with promises of legitimate employment before forcing them into sexual slavery. The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation against trafficking. “Operation Rear Window” is the second successful operation executed in the past month under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the American Veteran-led nonprofit and the Peruvian authorities earlier this year.
"This operation strikes at the heart of a predatory organization," stated Prosecutor Elena Mayuri Bocanegra. "We will pursue maximum penalties to deliver justice for the victims and deter future crimes."
The suspects now face charges of human trafficking and participation in a criminal organization, with potential penalties of up to 25 years in prison per individual. The operation was supported by the Provincial Prosecutor's Office for Human Trafficking Crimes (Lima North), Aerial Recovery, and the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the National Police.
All rescued victims received immediate care and trauma-informed support from the Specialized Prosecutor's Office and Aerial Recovery's trained personnel. The organization continues to offer comprehensive aftercare services to survivors as they begin their journey toward healing and restoration.
"Every rescue operation reaffirms our commitment to fighting evil and restoring hope," said Britnie Turner, CEO & Co-Founder of Aerial Recovery. "These 30 women were trapped by predators who saw them as commodities. Today, they are free. We are honored to work alongside Peru's dedicated law enforcement professionals who risk everything to protect the vulnerable."
Aerial Recovery provided technical expertise, surveillance support, and trained personnel to assist in building the case against Los Captadores del Norte. The organization's collaboration with Peruvian authorities exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in dismantling transnational criminal networks.
Investigations continue as authorities work to locate additional suspects, identify more victims, and dismantle connected trafficking networks throughout the region. The investigation is also searching the traffickers' cell phones and communication equipment to find connections to international criminal gangs like Tren de Aragua and additional tentacles the trafficking ring has that extend into the United States.
This operation marks another major victory in the ongoing fight against human trafficking in Latin America, showcasing the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement action and international cooperation in protecting the world's most vulnerable populations.
