FBI releases results from FIFA law enforcement operation in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- As the 2026 FIFA World Cup events came to an end in Kansas City, Missouri, the FBI and law enforcement officials are releasing the results of an operation aimed at combating child exploitation and human trafficking during the games.
The results were coordinated by multiple law enforcement agencies helping cover the games.
A total of 19 people were arrested on various state and federal charges. In addition, nine children were located and nine individuals were provided with victim services.
More than 15 law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal level worked on the surge, which included 17 operations to identify individuals looking to solicit for commercial sex work or looking to commit sexual acts with children.
“For the past several weeks, there has been a significant and substantial effort by law enforcement across the metro to combat trafficking alongside FIFA World Cup events. While it is an unfortunate fact that numbers like this confirm this threat is still one that exists in our community, I am proud of the work of all the partners involved to help us on this surge,” said Chris Ormerod, FBI Kansas City special agent in charge. “Today’s announcement underscores the collective effort law enforcement has and will continue to place on ensuring vulnerable victims are recovered and their abusers face justice.”
“I am proud of the work being down alongside our federal, state and local partners. KCPD is thankful for
operations like these where vulnerable victims are rescued and predatory offenders are arrested. Collectively, we will continue the work in making Kansas City and our region safer,” said Kansas City, Missouri Police Chief Stacey Graves.
The FBI said anyone with information about human trafficking can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, text the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 233733 or chat with the National Human Trafficking Hotline via humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.
Anyone who wishes to report an incident of human trafficking or suspected human trafficking can also call their local FBI office, the FBI's National Threat Operations Center or their local police department. If someone is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, call 911.
The FBI said it takes a victim-centered approach to human trafficking investigations to ensure victims receive appropriate services and support throughout a human-trafficking investigation.
FBI victim specialists, along with victim specialists from the U.S. attorney’s offices and from non-government service providers, work with victims and are available to advise victims of their rights and assure that their short-term and long-term needs are met, including immediate medical needs, housing, employment, education, job training and childcare.
