By Ciara Perez
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published February 25, 2026
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A large-scale, multi-agency undercover operation in Arizona led to the arrest of 173 individuals and the identification of multiple victims of sex trafficking, according to the Scottsdale Police Department.
The operation, conducted between January 21 and February 14, 2026, was spearheaded by the department’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT) and focused on identifying and arresting sex buyers, child predators, and individuals involved in human trafficking and the sex trade.
Police say the proactive enforcement effort used decoy-based investigations, and no actual children were used or placed in danger during the operation.
As a result of the investigation, authorities made 173 arrests and identified multiple victims of sex trafficking, all of whom were provided with services and resources for support and recovery.
Investigations led to a wide range of serious charges, including:
- Child sex trafficking
- Attempted sexual conduct with a minor
- Luring a minor for sexual exploitation
- Prostitution-related offenses and pandering
- Transporting for the purpose of prostitution
- Misconduct involving weapons
- Resisting arrest
- Possession of narcotic drugs
- Outstanding felony warrants
- Trespassing and other related offenses
The operation involved extensive coordination with several regional law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. Partner agencies included the Goodyear Police Department, Surprise Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, Avondale Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Peoria Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Flagstaff Police Department, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, and the City of Scottsdale Prosecutor’s Office.
Scottsdale Police officials emphasized their continued commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and holding offenders accountable, noting that collaborative enforcement efforts like this play a critical role in combating human trafficking across the region.
Authorities say similar proactive operations will continue as part of an ongoing strategy to disrupt trafficking networks and support survivors on their path to recovery.
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