Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Monday the sweeping success of a weeklong statewide human trafficking operation, aptly named ‘Operation Buyer’s Remorse.’ The operation aimed to arrest individuals attempting to purchase sex and identify survivors of human trafficking.

“Operation Buyer’s Remorse” is a weeklong statewide human trafficking crackdown in Ohio. The operation was led by the Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and local law enforcement agencies.

“Law enforcement across Ohio teamed up in a concerted effort to stem the demand that fuels human trafficking,” Yost said in a press release.

“The success of this operation is measured not only by the number of arrests but also by the resources offered to survivors of human trafficking and the intelligence gathered that will propel long-term investigations forward.”

Last week, reports indicated a massive increase in the number of children going missing in Ohio.

The operation was led by AG Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) and took place from September 25 to September 30. The crackdown spanned every corner of the state, including Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown, Marietta, and Portsmouth.

The operation resulted in 160 arrests, thanks to coordinated “stings” conducted by OOCIC’s eight human trafficking and major crimes task forces. These efforts were further amplified by numerous local law enforcement agencies that also conducted anti-human trafficking operations.

Search warrants were executed at 11 massage parlors suspected of human trafficking activities as part of ongoing, long-term investigations.

Those arrested come from various backgrounds, including an EMT, nurses, educators, retirees, former law enforcement officers, self-employed individuals, and delivery drivers. The youngest person arrested was 17, and the oldest was 84.

Law enforcement officers interviewed 104 survivors of human trafficking, who were then provided services from healthcare and social service organizations.

“Nearly 100 law enforcement agencies and service organizations participated in this operation – I am grateful for each and every partner who dedicated their time and resources, as we all play a key role in the fight against human trafficking,” Yost added.

“Our message is simple: Don’t buy sex in Ohio!” Yost concluded.