Trafficking networks, online predators, and child sex offenders have no borders. Their criminal activity reaches across regions and countries without regard for geography. For law enforcement to respond successfully, they cannot be confined by borders, either.
Over the course of one week in October, Our Rescue teamed up with Latin American authorities on four closely coordinated operations. These concentrated “surges” expanded rescue efforts and arrests across Ecuador and Chile. Authorities arrested suspected offenders, rescued children from dangerous and abusive situations, identified even more survivors, seized digital evidence, and strengthened cross-border partnerships needed to fight child exploitation.
Accelerated Response Leads to Child Rescue in Los Ríos
On October 9, Our Rescue’s Latin America team was in Ecuador supporting a rescue operation in the community of Los Ríos. Leading the operation were members of the Sexual Integrity Crimes Unit (UNCIS) of the Ecuadorian National Police (ENP) and the Attorney General’s Office (FGE).
The case began when the 911 Call Center in Quevedo received a tip about potential child exploitation. Investigators learned that a 37-year-old suspect had gained the trust of a 12-year-old girl and had then started a game of deceit and manipulation to sexually exploit her.
Together with specialized tactical teams and the Attorney General’s Office, UNCIS investigators, quickly mobilized. They requested operations support from Our Rescue, including OSINT facial recognition technology to help investigative efforts and accelerate suspect identification.
During the operation, authorities arrested one suspect on charges related to child exploitation and rape and recovered the 12-year-old child. She has since been reunited with her family and continues to receive care and support.
Fast Action Protects a Nine-Year-Old Boy
Just days later, on October 14, Quevedo authorities responded to another report involving the suspected exploitation and sexual assault of a child.
After Los Ríos ENP UNCIS received a call from the mother of a nine-year-old boy who had been targeted by a local man, officers mobilized immediately with operational support from Our Rescue. At the scene, law enforcement collected information from the distressed mother and was able to locate the child and bring him to safety. He was then connected with child protection specialists who could provide the support he needs.
After assessing the situation, investigators identified and located the suspect nearby and arrested the 53-year-old man at the scene.
Digital Investigations Target Online Exploitation
While Ecuadorian authorities conducted operations on the ground, investigators in Chile targeted offenders operating online.
On October 7, Our Rescue’s Latin America team in Chile supported “Operation Ballenary” alongside the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) in the City of Vallenar, Atacama Region, north of Valparaíso. On scene, police arrested a Chilean national accused of storing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The suspect was allegedly using social media and online games to groom children and obtain exploitative material, which he then stored on his cell phone.
Police identified a 13-year-old child as a survivor and seized a phone containing CSAM evidence
Our Rescue provided logistical support, technical assistance, and operational resources throughout the mission. Our team also coordinated with the family of the child to connect them with psychological support services.
Investigators Seize Devices Containing CSAM in Osorno
About a 17-hour drive south and less than a week later, on October 13, authorities in the City of Osorno, Los Lagos Region, launched “Operation Manque” in coordination with Our Rescue.
During this operation, investigators arrested a 23-year-old Chilean national also accused of storing and distributing CSAM. On scene, police found and seized two cell phones and a computer containing exploitative material. Our team again provided logistical support, technical assistance, and operational resources during the investigation.
These four operations stretched across two countries, multiple jurisdictions, and targeted different forms of exploitation.
The mission was clear: stop child predators quickly before more trauma was inflicted on these child survivors.
The concentrated nature of surge operations creates near-term and long-term impact, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating rescues across a region. When law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, NGOs, and specialized units coordinate efforts across borders, they increase their ability to identify suspects, support survivors, and put an end to these cancerous-like exploitation networks before they can grow and multiply.
Behind every operation there is a child, a family, and a community urgently looking for help. Please donate today to help fund future surge operations around the world.
