CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Child trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry

Jun 5, 2018, 12:59 PM | Updated: 7:07 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — Human trafficking brings in $150,000,000,000 every year, and continues to grow.  And according to the founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad, Tim Ballard, the United States is the largest consumer.

Ballard says children are kidnapped for organ harvesting and forced into slave labor.   But he uses his organization to travel the world and free children from the sex slave industry.

A production company approached Ballard, who was previously an agent with the Department of Homeland Security wanting to tell the story of O.U.R.  The result is the documentary “Operation Toussaint” which follows O.U.R during a dangerous mission in Haiti to break a sex trade ring operation and rescue 29 girls, some as young as 10-years of age.  It opens in Utah theaters June 18th, 2018.

The rescue operation planning began in Utah with the help of Attorney General Sean Reyes, who also participated in the secret trips to Haiti and Columbia.

Now Hollywood has come knocking at the Ballard’s door wanting to do a story on his transition from Department of Homeland agent to crusader with Operation Underground Railroad.  Ballard turned down multiple offers large studios but said “yes” to the company who produced the film “Little Boy.”  He said he trusted this team to keep the spirit of O.U.R and his character intact.

Actor Jim Caviezel, best known for “The Passion of the Christ” and “The Count of Monte Cristo,” is slated to portray Ballard in the film currently titled “Sound of Freedom.”  Filming begins in Columbia on June 16th.

You can see my entire interview with both Tim Ballard and Jim Caviezel and portions of the “Operation Toussaint” documentary on my podcast Money Making Sense.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

Willard City Police Department is asking the public to report any sightings of this vehicle to the ...

Emma Keddington

Willard City Police Department warns public of lottery scam

The Willard City Police department is asking for help from the public, as they try to find individuals involved in a lottery scam. 

9 hours ago

A wrecked white car sits on a green lawn at night....

Cassidy Wixom

Provo police searching for driver whose car flew through air, damaging 2 cars

Provo police are searching for a woman they say fled from officers before crashing a car. The crash caused damaged to two other cars.

13 hours ago

Chad Daybell during his murder trial on April 16, 2024....

Mary Culbertson

Judge bars prosecutor from taking stand in Chad Daybell trial

On the fourth day of testimony in the Chad Daybell trial Tuesday, the jury heard further testimony from law enforcement officers.

22 hours ago

A Utah Highway Patrol Trooper has been arrested for allegedly assaulting his daughter's friend....

Simone Seikaly

Utah trooper arrested for allegedly assaulting daughter’s friend

Richfield police allege a Utah Highway Patrol trooper inappropriately touched a 19-year-old woman -- a friend of his daughter's -- without her consent.

1 day ago

former president donald trump shown, his hush money trial is under way and jurors are still being p...

MICHAEL R. SISAK, JENNIFER PELTZ, JAKE OFFENHARTZ and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

First 7 jurors are chosen for Trump’s hush money criminal trial; 11 more still needed

Possible jurors for the hush money trial were questioned about their views on Trump and other issues, as well as social media posts.

1 day ago

A gold statue holds a justice scale....

Peter Johnston

Owners of Saratoga Springs gun shop accused of defrauding customers of over $600,000

A couple that owns a Utah gun shop, Urban Armz, is facing fraud charges for over $600,000 in orders they failed to deliver.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Child trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry