Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, October 4
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Donate
    • Subscribe
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Public Safety»EP man among 11 arrested in undercover human trafficking sting
    Public Safety

    EP man among 11 arrested in undercover human trafficking sting

    Staff ReportsBy Staff ReportsJuly 31, 2023Updated:July 31, 20232 Mins Read

    An Eden Prairie man is among 11 people facing felony charges following a multi-agency undercover operation led by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety that targeted human trafficking and resulted in the recovery of four victims.

    Yonis Abdiweli Hashi, 22, of Eden Prairie, was arrested along with 10 other suspects during a two-day operation on July 27-28 in St. Paul. According to a July 29 news release, the suspects were allegedly caught attempting to solicit minors for sex or promote prostitution via online conversations with undercover agents, who posed as minors or sex buyers.

    The operation was led by the Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the St. Paul Police Department. According to the authorities, the suspects were apprehended as they arrived at an arranged meeting place for an encounter.

    “We are committed to helping Minnesota’s trafficking victims escape the reprehensible actions of those who would buy or sell them for sex,” said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “Our predatory crimes agents will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and advocates to end this terrible crime in Minnesota.”

    Ten suspects, including Hashi, were booked on probable cause for felony solicitation of a minor under 18 years for prostitution, while one person was booked for probable cause for felony promotion of prostitution.

    Besides the arrests, the operation also resulted in the rescue of four female victims from trafficking situations. Advocacy organization Breaking Free provided services during the victim recoveries.

    Saint Paul Police Chief Axel Henry emphasized the importance of partnership among law enforcement agencies in combating human trafficking. “Good police work doesn’t happen without law enforcement coming together, and because of that partnership, these individuals can no longer do harm,” he said.

    The sting was a joint effort of multiple agencies including the East Metro Sex Trafficking Task Force (EMSTTF), Tribes United Against Sex Trafficking (TRUST), Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force (MNHTITF). The MNHTITF provides statewide law enforcement response for the Human Trafficking National Hotline.

    Charges against the suspects are expected to be filed in the coming days.

    Anyone with information about potential trafficking situations is encouraged to contact the BCA at 877-996-6222 or via email at bca.tips@state.mn.us. Those in immediate danger are urged to call 911. Victims can seek help by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or texting “HELP” to 233733.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe

    Comments

    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleJack L. Steinmetz
    Next Article Review: Smith Coffee & Cafe offers historic charm and contemporary delights

    More to READ

    3 Mins Read

    Teens delaying driver’s licenses in growing trend

    September 25, 2023
    1 Min Read

    Four men arrested after EP burglary leads to chase

    September 23, 2023
    7 Mins Read

    EP man’s bail set at $1.5 million in second-degree murder case of brother

    September 21, 2023
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Watershed district may buy, preserve Noble Hill property

    October 2, 2023

    ‘Friday Night Lightning’ strikes twice in same place in Eagles’ win at Wayzata

    October 2, 2023

    A little more shade at Riley Lake Park

    September 30, 2023

    Business briefs: Iowa credit union acquires EP bank; Boba tea shop at EP mall rebrands

    September 30, 2023

    Turning pain into purpose: Family champions mental health awareness in memory of son

    September 29, 2023
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2023
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.