Related: 14 Arrested In “Operation: I Can’t Help Myself,” Bloomington Underage Sex-Trafficking Sting
On June 23, 2025, the Eden Prairie Police Department led a coordinated undercover operation to target sex buyers seeking minors. In late July 2025, the Edina Police Department executed their undercover human trafficking sting targeting prostitution-related abuse involving underage individuals. The operation resulted in the arrest of seven men, aged 25 to 48, who believed they were arranging to pay for sex with a minor.
Operation Details & Multi-Agency Coordination
The sting was part of a broader initiative by the “494 Corridor Group,” a coalition of law enforcement agencies along Minnesota’s Interstate 494 corridor. Participating agencies included police departments from Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Richfield, as well as the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Undercover officers posed as minors using decoy ads on prostitution platforms. The suspects were arrested when they attempted to meet, fully believing the encounter involved an underage girl.
Suspects & Legal Impact
All the arrested individuals reside throughout the Twin Cities metro area. While their identities remain protected in line with legal privacy standards, authorities emphasize these arrests demonstrate the ongoing prevalence of demand for child exploitation (KSTP, 2025). Similar operations in Eden Prairie in June 2025 resulted in 12 arrests, showing a consistent pattern of enforcement across the region.
Related: Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn 1 of 14 Men Charged with Soliciting a Minor During Trafficking Sting
Why This Case Matters
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Institutional Accountability: The operation is a testament to collaborative law enforcement efforts aimed at combating systemic demand for underage sex.
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Public Officials Must Be Held to Higher Standards: These stings send a message that no one—regardless of status or community standing—is exempt from accountability.
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Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Arrests of buyers (not victims) align with “demand displacement” strategies, emphasizing protection of minors rather than punishment of survivors.
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Geographic Vulnerability & Risk Awareness: The I‑494 corridor’s dense stretch of motels, apartments, and transit areas makes it a hotspot for solicitation activity, spotlighting where resources should be directed.
Related: Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell Convicted for Burglary, Claims She Was Performing "Welfare Check" On The Victim
What You Can Do
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Waste no time reporting suspected trafficking:
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National Teen Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733
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Minnesota Day One Crisis Line: 1-866-223-1111 or text 612-399-9995
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No Wrong Door (Hennepin County): 612-348-3552
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Advocate for survivor-centric reform: Engage with organizations like Breaking Free, The Link, or International Institute of Minnesota to demand safe recovery pathways.
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Hold institutions accountable: Support blooms in policy advocacy and ensure public officials reinforce oversight and transparency in combating trafficking.
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