In the U.S. state of Florida, law enforcement agencies have located 163 missing children, ranging in age from two months to 17 years, during a five-day operation called Statewide Shield. Many of the children had been subjected to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or were linked to other crimes.

The operation, which ran from August 17 to 21, was Florida's first statewide initiative to find missing children. Authorities described it as one of the largest operations of its kind in U.S. history. In addition to Florida, the search efforts led to the discovery of children in six other states, one U.S. territory, and 12 countries.

The highest number of children was found in the Tampa Bay area — 46. Another 41 children were located in Miami, 32 in Jacksonville, 21 in Orlando, 12 in Fort Myers, eight in Pensacola, and three in the Tallahassee area.

After being found, the children were taken to special centers where they received medical care, social support, and assistance from child protection and victim specialists. Authorities stressed that the cases were not linked to a single criminal group: they included cases of abuse and neglect, custody disputes, runaways, and alleged human trafficking.

As a result of the operation, at least three criminal cases have been opened for serious crimes. Charges include sexual acts against a minor, battery, and interference with child custody. Investigations are ongoing, so authorities do not rule out further arrests.

The operation was led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in coordination with other state, local, and federal agencies.

Earlier, 12 minors left without parental care were returned from Russia to Uzbekistan. The children were handed over to close relatives, and the 'Inson' social service centers will continue their work on their adaptation and provision of necessary support.

Source: podrobno.uz