Human Trafficking in the Digital Age: What Minnesota's Recent Arrests Reveal

Mike Olson Interview by Joe McCoy - KARE 11, July 25, 2025

(Link to News Story: https://www.kare11.com/video/news/local/4-men-charged-with-hiring-a-minor-for-sex-in-edina-sting-operation/89-8cd57872-810b-46b2-bcba-67f73b17f174)

The recent human trafficking arrests in Edina, MN underscore a disturbing reality: trafficking is no longer confined to dark alleyways or distant cities- it’s happening in plain sight, and increasingly, online.

Traffickers are leveraging social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, and online marketplaces to recruit, groom, and exploit victims. These digital tools allow predators to operate anonymously, target vulnerable individuals, and coordinate illegal activities across geographic boundaries.

At 360 Security Services, we recognize that human trafficking exists in both cyber and physical spaces, and our approach to prevention reflects that dual reality. We work with schools, businesses, communities and groups like “Citizens Against Sex Trafficking” (C.A.S.T.) of Minnesota to raise awareness, provide training, and offer tools like CHIRP-360, our anonymous reporting platform and services, that empower individuals to report any concerning behavior or incidents- whether online or in person.

Some concerning statistics from our colleagues at Citizens Against Sex Trafficking (C.A.S.T.) of Minnesota (www.castmn.org):

• The Twin Cities is 1 of 13 cities in the USA with disproportionately high rates of child sex trafficking.

• 11-14 years of age- The average age of entry into the commercial sex industry in the Twin Cities.

• 42% - The percent of youth in the USA that have either sent or received a nude text by the age of 14.

• 5,000+ - The number of Minnesota middle & high school students who have admitted to being sexually exploited.

🔹 Prevention Tips for Key Groups:

For Students:

• Be cautious about sharing personal information online.

• Avoid engaging with strangers on social media or gaming platforms.

• Report any suspicious messages or interactions to a trusted adult or through CHIRP-360.

For Parents:

• Monitor your child’s online activity and discuss internet safety regularly.

• Encourage open communication about friendships and online interactions.

• Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices and apps.

For Schools:

• Provide digital safety education and trafficking awareness programs.

• Promote anonymous reporting tools like Chirp-360 to empower students.

• Train staff to recognize behavioral red flags and respond appropriately.

For Businesses:

• Educate employees on trafficking indicators, especially in industries like hospitality, transportation, and retail.

• Implement clear reporting protocols and support anonymous reporting.

• Partner with local organizations to support community safety initiatives.

Trafficking thrives in silence. Prevention begins with awareness, education, and the courage to speak up.

Let us also not forget to thank our law enforcement community and those officers and agents who go to great lengths to disrupt this activity, and often are personally impacted in negative emotional ways to their own mental health in trying to protect others.

360 Security Services is here to help communities stay informed, stay safe, and take action.