A major operation in Texas, Operation Soteria Shield, led to the rescue of 89 children and the arrest of 276 suspects accused of exploiting minors online.
TEXAS, USA — A large-scale law enforcement operation across Texas led to the rescue of nearly 100 children and the arrest of hundreds of suspects accused of exploiting minors online.
Authorities said Operation Soteria Shield was conducted over a two-month period and involved 91 law enforcement agencies from across the state, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation San Antonio Field Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
From March through April, investigators focused on identifying and apprehending individuals suspected of targeting children through social media and other online platforms.
According to officials, the operation targeted suspects accused of possessing, producing or distributing child sexual abuse material, soliciting minors online, trafficking children, committing sexual assaults and other forms of exploitation.
By the end of the operation, authorities said 276 people had been arrested and 89 children had been rescued.
Those taken into custody face a variety of charges, including possession, distribution and production of child sexual abuse material, online solicitation of a minor, human trafficking and sexual assault, according to investigators.
Officials described Operation Soteria Shield as one of the largest coordinated efforts in Texas aimed at combating online predators and protecting children from exploitation.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be filed against some of those arrested as cases move forward.