ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - After the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested 12 suspects during Operation Raydiant Shadows, Albany leaders moved quickly to educate the public about the growing dangers of human trafficking.

Ward 1 Commissioner Jon Howard, in partnership with the Albany Police Department (APD), hosted a community town hall aimed at exposing the subtle methods traffickers use to target victims.

During the event, speakers emphasized that traffickers increasingly rely on social media and dating apps—such as Snapchat and Tinder—to build trust with potential victims. By posing as peers or friends, they can more easily manipulate individuals into dangerous situations.

APD Chief Michael Persley said he hopes the town hall will help residents recognize warning signs before exploitation occurs.

“There are things, everyday occurrences that happen and people kinda are just like ehh, it may not look right but they don’t really know what it could be whether it’s at hair salons, nail shops, hotels, restaurants it can be anywhere,” Persley said.

Speakers also urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online gaming activity. Traffickers have been known to disguise themselves as young players, using in-game conversations to build trust with unsuspecting minors.

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