Innocence Lost National Initiative

In June 2003, the FBI, in conjunction with the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, launched the Innocence Lost National Initiative. This combined effort was aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States.

In the 12 years since its inception, the initiative has resulted in the development of 73 dedicated task forces and working groups throughout the U.S. involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working in tandem with U.S. Attorney’s Offices.

To date, these groups have worked successfully to rescue more than 4,800 children. Investigations have successfully led to the conviction of more than 2,000 pimps, madams, and their associates who exploit children through prostitution. These convictions have resulted in lengthy sentences, including multiple life sentences and the seizure of real property, vehicles, and monetary assets.

Major Cases
- 149 Sexually Exploited Children Recovered in Operation Cross Country IX
- 168 Trafficking Victims Recovered in Operation Cross Country VIII
- 105 Sexually Exploited Children Recovered in Operation Cross Country VII
- Nearly 80 Juveniles Recovered in Operation Cross Country VI
- Sixty-Nine Children Rescued During Operation Cross Country V
- More Than 50 Children Rescued During Operation Cross Country IV
- 48 Children Recovered in Operation Cross Country III
- 47 Children Rescued in Operation Cross Country II | Video
- 389 Arrested in Operation Cross Country | Background | Press Release
- National Crackdown IDs 30 Child Victims (12/05)