Authorities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have arrested 13 individuals as part of coordinated efforts to combat human trafficking and child exploitation linked to the World Cup, officials announced Tuesday.

The arrests were made between June 12 and June 16 during “Operation Red Card,” a multi-agency initiative involving the Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, the FBI, and other law enforcement partners. The operation focused on identifying and apprehending people engaging in commercial sex acts, child exploitation, and other trafficking-related offenses connected with the influx of visitors for the international soccer event.

The FBI’s Boston office reported that seven people were arrested on charges that include sex for a fee with a minor under 18, enticement of a child under 16, and attempted rape of a child. The suspects—ranging in age from 21 to 71—were arraigned in Brockton District Court. Their names and hometowns are Julio Aguilar, 42, of Saugus; Kenneth M. Berry, 45, of Middleborough; Manjil Bhusal, 21, of Somerville; Jonathan Matthew William Durocher, 34, of Brockton; Trevon Hubbard, 31, of Middleborough; Krish R. Patel, 26, of Quincy; and Gerald Sabatinelli, 71, of Hyannis.

Meanwhile, Rhode Island State Police announced six arrests in connection with similar charges in the state. Those arrested were charged with offenses including attempted enticement of a minor, indecent solicitation, procurement of sexual conduct for a fee, and unauthorized dissemination of indecent material to minors. The arrests involved Richard Lallier, 34, of Rehoboth; Joshua Lincoln, 27, of North Providence; Jacob Palazzo, 26, of Cranston; Franco Miccoli, 60, of Johnston; Travis Shaw, 38, of Tiverton; and Rocky Joseph, 38, of Central Falls. All suspects have been arraigned.

Officials highlighted that major sporting events like the World Cup can sometimes create opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable populations. “Law enforcement agencies throughout the region remain committed to proactive enforcement efforts designed to deter human trafficking, identify victims, and hold offenders accountable,” Rhode Island State Police said in a statement.

This operation builds on earlier efforts such as “Operation Yellow Card,” led by the U.S. Marshals Service, which has focused on recovering high-risk missing children during the World Cup period. Since April, that initiative reportedly secured the safe recovery of 35 children, some from as far as Georgia and Texas.

Law enforcement personnel also emphasized ongoing collaboration with local hotels, restaurants, and transit services to detect and report potential trafficking activity. Authorities encourage the public to report any concerns by calling 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.