Operation Triple Take: Inside O.U.R.'s First Mission to Colombia

Matt Cooper joins Tim to reflect on Operation Triple Take, O.U.R.’s first mission to Colombia which spun into a huge roundup of traffickers from the entire region and the rescue of over 50 people, most of whom were children. Tim tells the story of how the operation began, starting with a conversation with a trafficker named Feugo on the beach at Playa Blanca. Within minutes of talking, Feugo offered not only to supply children for a party but to go into business together to build a child sex hotel.  Seeing this offer as an opportunity to rescue even more children, Operation Triple Take lured traffickers from the entire region, including Miss Cartagena, famous in town for recruiting kids to her modelling agency. In reality, these young children were being sold.  Tim talks about a particular survivor who now works and advocates for O.U.R. to help rescue more victims of child trafficking. The fact that these children are taking matters into their own hands is an incredible testament to the success of the operation. Tim triumphantly talks about the prosecutions that have now been finalised and the many lives that have been changed forever.  Sadly, one of the greatest threats to children right now, aside from traffickers, are people who disparage others in the nonprofit industry. Tim and Matt talk about the unexpected battlefield at home fuelled by politics and inflated egos and how they are determined to keep fighting for the children, despite the lies and deceit being spread about Operation Underground Railroad.   Want to get more involved with Operation Underground Railroad? - Website: https://www.ourrescue.org/ - Donate: https://www.ourrescue.org/give-now - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourrescue/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourrescue - Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/ourrescue - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/operation-underground-railroad/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourrescuePlease note that while we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we may occasionally make errors or present facts that are not entirely precise. We encourage our listeners to do their own research and fact-checking, and we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In The Trenches tells the stories of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.): an organization dedicated to rescuing victims of human trafficking and exploitation worldwide. O.U.R. works with national and international governments to provide cutting-edge forensic tools and training, develop intel, go undercover, carry out rescue efforts, and conduct aftercare for the survivors of human trafficking. O.U.R. Founder and CEO, and In The Trenches host Tim Ballard will explore these operations with special guests who are taking bold action in the fight to end human trafficking and exploitation. From undercover operators and aftercare specialists to survivors and advocates, these fighters will share behind-the-scenes accounts from around the world. O.U.R. exists to shine a light worldwide on the global issue of human trafficking and exploitation. From O.U.R.’s inception in 2013 to now, O.U.R. has assisted in the arrest of thousands of predators, and in the rescue of thousands of brave survivors who are now on the path to healing. We will not stop until zero humans are sold or exploited. The stories told in In The Trenches are a strong weapon in this war against modern-day slavery and human trafficking.To help support O.U.R. and rescue and care for more children, please head to https://www.ourrescue.org/give-now and thanks for listening.