8 Boys Rescued from Online Exploitation

Eight boys are now free from online sexual exploitation (OSEC).

Tragically, Thailand has become a hotspot for the online sexual exploitation of children, often to Western audiences. These boys, as young as just 8 years old, had been subjected to online sexual exploitation by predators who hurt the kids without ever leaving home.

Fortunately, our expert counter-OSEC team worked with Thai authorities to rescue the boys. The kids have begun their long road to recovery at home with their families. Their trafficker was arrested during the operation.

Boys are a growing segment of trafficked children worldwide. The estimated number of exploited boys quintupled from 2004 to 2020 (while experts still believe this represents gross underreporting), and the rise of online exploitation has only increased the problem.

Because of social stigma and fear of shame, boys are far less likely to report being exploited, earning the moniker “The Silenced Minority.”

We are happy that these eight boys are free, but more are waiting. Help us find them at www.destinyrescue.org.

Rescue Update Archive

15-year-old girl rescued in the Dominican Republic

A mother found out her daughter was being exploited for sex

Earlier this year, a mother in the Dominican Republic made a discovery so startling that she felt compelled to go straight to the police. Her 15-year-old daughter was in possession of something she shouldn’t have had. But it wasn’t alcohol or drugs or a gun that raised red flags for this concerned mom. It was money. Too much money. She knew her school-aged daughter didn’t get the money from her and had no way to earn that much on her own. Fearing the worst, she asked her daughter about it. The child’s answer confirmed her fears: a grown man had been paying her daughter for sex. Extra money—along with reclusive behavior, unexplained gifts and personality changes—is one of the signs that a child might be experiencing exploitation. Because this mother recognized the signs, she was able to ask for help before the predator could draw the girl away from her family.

Destiny Rescue agents helped authorities track down and arrest the predator so that he can’t exploit children anymore. The survivor, safe from his influence and abuse, is recovering with her family.

9 People Rescued in Zimbabwe

7 girls and 2 young women are free from sexual exploitation in Zimbabwe.

Desperation destroys choice: The children and two 18-year-olds had all been forced to sell themselves to survive. Now things are different.

All the survivors have entered our Community Care Program, where they’ll be equipped for independence and healing. Our caseworkers help the survivors move past their trauma while also addressing the vulnerabilities that led to their exploitation. Join us in celebrating their freedom!

28 Rescued from Traffickers in Nepal

Border agents rescued 28 people, 17 of whom were children, from traffickers attempting to lure them out of the country.

Traffickers often target struggling Nepali citizens by making false job offers through social media sites. Once out of the country, the victims are then trapped in forced labor or brothels. Thankfully, these survivors will not be among them.

29 Kids Free from Sexual Exploitation

Twenty-nine children in Uganda, along with one young adult, no longer have to sell themselves to survive.

All of these survivors were forced to sell their bodies just to make enough money to buy food or necessities. All the children were enrolled in our care post-rescue, where they’ll begin their journey toward freedom safely.

60 Rescued From Brutal Pig Butchering Operation

Sixty people have returned home safely after our agents collaborated with law enforcement to help these 60 people escape an illegal scamming call center.

International traffickers lured their victims, who included nine children, with the promise of good jobs in the tech industry. Instead, they were trapped in a large compound and forced to make scam calls. Such victims face inhumane work hours and the threat of physical torture for underperformance.

Our team helped police investigate the compound before the operation and interview survivors after the rescue was complete. All the survivors have returned home. You can read more about “pig butchering” on our blog.