The Portland Police Bureau's Human Trafficking Unit has been steadily working to address the shadowy crime of human trafficking in Northeast Portland. In recent operations that include multiple law enforcement and community-based organizations, several individuals have been arrested or cited for crimes related to commercial sexual solicitation and other related offenses. According to a press release from the Portland Police Bureau, a collaborative task force was instrumental in these efforts, featuring partnerships with various precincts, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, and the Safety Compass advocacy group, among others.
The individuals taken into custody span a spectrum of ages and hail from different cities across Oregon and Washington. Notably, arrests included individuals like 46-year-old Brian Aldous from Salem and 42-year-old Abdo Alzukhri from Portland, to name just a couple. As part of the initiative, firearms, drugs, and vehicles were also seized. To thoroughly pursue all avenues of inquiry, the Human Trafficking Unit was able to continue gathering additional information related to other suspected buyers, suspected traffickers, and ongoing trafficking investigations, as stated in the Portland Bureau release.
Particular attention has been given to the recovery and support of trafficking victims. The Portland Police’s Human Trafficking Unit, with the help of their Victim Services Unit and organizations like Safety Compass, strives to offer trauma-informed services. Safety Compass, a nonprofit that provides advocacy to youth survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, reached out to approximately 25 individuals, offering them assistance or connection to resources. The law enforcement narrative acknowledges that HTU cases are complex with several identified barriers, such as repeated traumatic exposures, trauma bonds with traffickers, and fear of retaliation.
Recognizing the challenges in persuading survivors to come forward and engage with the criminal justice system, the Police Bureau's Human Trafficking Unit has maintained a victim-centered and compassionate approach. They are keenly aware that victims are often reluctant to come forward, make a report, and/or continue through the criminal justice process, a fact which underscores the difficulty and necessity of their work. For those in the community who might find themselves aware of human trafficking activities, information and tips can be reported via the emergency and non-emergency lines provided by the police department, as well as through the police’s designated email for human trafficking.
