California authorities have arrested ten people suspected of running a sex-trafficking network that targeted women and minors in Los Angeles.

加州當局已逮捕十人，涉嫌經營一個針對洛杉磯女性及未成年人的性販賣網絡。

The operation focused on a criminal group linked to the Hoover gang. Authorities assert that the gang forced about 51 victims into sex work between February 2021 and June 2026. The gang recruited victims by making false promises of a better life or by using physical violence, specifically targeting vulnerable people such as foster children and runaways. For example, Cameron Lockett is accused of causing severe physical injuries, while Caleed Mouton allegedly forced a minor to work immediately after a medical procedure.

此次行動針對一個與 Hoover 幫相關的犯罪集團。當局聲稱，該幫派在 2021 年 2 月至 2026 年 6 月期間，強迫約 51 名受害者從事性工作。該幫派透過虛假承諾更好的生活或使用肢體暴力來招募受害者，特別針對寄養兒童和離家出走者等弱勢群體。例如，Cameron Lockett 被指導致嚴重肢體傷害，而 Caleed Mouton 據稱在一名未成年人接受醫療程序後立即強迫其工作。

Furthermore, the investigation revealed that some businesses helped the gang. Mukeshkumar Ahir, the manager of Stadium Inn & Spas, is charged with supporting the operation by providing rooms and stealing over $64,000 in profits. This motel is located in the Figueroa corridor, a four-mile area known for widespread prostitution.

此外，調查顯示部分商家協助了該幫派。Stadium Inn & Spas 的經理 Mukeshkumar Ahir 被指控透過提供房間來支持該行動，並盜取超過 64,000 美元的利潤。這家汽車旅館位於 Figueroa 走廊，該地是一個長四英里、以盛行賣淫而聞名的地區。

However, police work in this region has been difficult due to budget cuts and legal changes. The New York Times reported that budget reductions in 2021 limited the capacity of the Los Angeles Police Department. Additionally, the removal of loitering laws—intended to protect marginalized groups—made it harder for police to catch trafficked minors. This latest action follows a previous case involving eleven Hoover gang members, including Amaya Armstead, who will appear in court in March.

然而，由於預算削減和法律變更，警方在該地區的執法一直面臨困難。《紐約時報》報導，2021 年的預算削減限制了洛杉磯警局的能力。此外，旨在保護邊緣群體的遊蕩法（loitering laws）被廢除，使得警方更難逮捕被販賣的未成年人。此次行動是在之前涉及 11 名 Hoover 幫成員（包括將於 3 月出庭的 Amaya Armstead）的案件之後採取的行動。

The ten suspects could face sentences from 15 years to life in prison as authorities work to destroy the Hoover gang's trafficking network.

隨著當局努力摧毀 Hoover 幫的販賣網絡，十名嫌疑人可能面臨 15 年至終身監禁的判刑。