According to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, the ring sent a mass text informing clients that “new sexy & beautiful girls R in town waiting for u.”
Named “Operation Shade of Beige” after one of the ringleaders, the sting was able to take down 11 of its 18 targets on Thursday.
“None of the people who you see here were street level prostitutes. We’re going after the management of this criminal enterprise,” Schneiderman said. “What we’re doing now is interviewing the prostitutes themselves. We’re trying to identify any victim of human trafficking, first and foremost, and gain intelligence about their business transactions.”
They prostitutes were allegedly provided with cocaine, crack and other drugs by two dealers who were arrested on drug charges as part of the operation.
“We also want to send a message to anyone who might be considering patronizing such illegal services before the Super Bowl. Better to get yourself in front of the TV, watch the game, have a couple of beers, stay out of trouble,” Schneiderman said.
Investigators believe that in addition to serving Manhattan, the ring also operated out of Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens and several other states.
[ABC Local] [New York Post]
