Statement From A.G. Schneiderman On Human Trafficking Awareness Day

NEW YORK ‑ Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today issued the following statement in commemoration of Human Trafficking Awareness Day:

“Today we recognize the ongoing and horrendous crime of human trafficking and acknowledge the countless trafficking victims across New York State. This Office remains committed to both combating trafficking in all of its forms and protecting the rights of victims. In the months ahead, I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the government, not-for-profit, and private sectors to strengthen enforcement of the law and raise awareness of this crime that many have deemed difficult to identify, attack and prevent. Through robust enforcement of the law and continued collaboration, we can help eliminate trafficking crimes and prevent the unlawful exploitation of victims in our state.”

The Attorney General's Office is actively working to combat human trafficking. This past November, the Attorney General's Office, along with the NYPD, took action to break up a tri-state, prostitution-based money laundering operation. During the course of the arrests and execution of search warrants, investigators found two women who were human trafficking victims. Investigators from the Attorney General’s office and the NYPD rescued the two trafficking victims from locations in Manhattan and, in coordination with Sanctuary for Families, brought them to a safe haven. The investigation was the result of the Office's review of "backpage" advertising.

To report a potential human trafficking matter, please contact the New York Attorney General’s Office at: human.trafficking@ag.ny.govor contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, a national hotline at: 1-888-373-7888.