Special Forces-led organization expands South American operations as trafficking crisis deepens across region
A veteran-led humanitarian organization has formalized a groundbreaking partnership with Peru's government to combat human trafficking, immediately demonstrating results with the arrest of a suspected child predator just one day after signing their agreement.
Aerial Recovery, a Nashville-based organization staffed primarily by U.S. Special Operations veterans, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Peru's Ministry of Public Prosecutors on May 12, 2025. The partnership grants the American organization unprecedented access to work directly with Peruvian federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in dismantling trafficking networks.
The agreement's effectiveness became apparent within hours. On May 13, Aerial Recovery personnel joined Peruvian National Police in "Operation the Monster of Comas," which resulted in the arrest of an adult male suspected of storing child sexual abuse material involving victims as young as three years old.
"This operation exemplifies why this partnership is so vital," said Britnie Turner, co-founder and CEO of Aerial Recovery. "Within 24 hours of formalizing our agreement, we were able to coordinate with Peruvian authorities to take decisive action against individuals purveying, and perhaps producing child pornography involving kids as young as three."
Expanding American Expertise Across Latin America
Founded in 2018, Aerial Recovery has deployed across more than 25 countries, leveraging the tactical expertise of former Special Forces operators alongside medical professionals and crisis response specialists. The organization has established similar anti-trafficking agreements in Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico, while maintaining active rescue operations throughout Latin America.
The Peru partnership represents a significant expansion of American-led anti-trafficking efforts in a region where criminal networks increasingly exploit vulnerable populations. Peru serves as a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking, with rural-to-urban migration and poverty creating opportunities that traffickers systematically exploit.
Turner, whose organization has built a reputation for rapid-response capabilities in challenging environments, emphasized the strategic importance of the Peru agreement. "By combining our operational expertise with the legal authority and local knowledge of Peru's prosecutors, we can make significant inroads against trafficking networks and protect vulnerable communities."
Swift Action, Measurable Results
The timing of the Peru MOU signing carried additional significance, coinciding with the 44th anniversary of the country's Ministry of Public Prosecutors. Dr. Gaston Remy Llacsa, General Manager for International Agreements at Peru's Attorney General Office, formalized the agreement alongside Turner in a ceremony that underscored both nations' commitment to combating transnational crime.
The subsequent arrest operation began after alerts from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Interpol identified a predator storing illegal material on monitored web hosts. Aerial Recovery personnel embedded with the Peruvian National Police Cybercrimes Unit and prosecutors, providing expertise to prioritize cases requiring immediate intervention.
During the raid in Santa Cruz Collique, Comas (Lima), Peru's National Police Special Response Team detained the suspect without incident. While no children were found at the location, Aerial Recovery continues assisting authorities in following leads to identify child victims depicted in recovered materials.
Strategic Approach to Complex Crisis
The MOU enables comprehensive anti-trafficking initiatives that extend beyond individual arrests. Aerial Recovery will develop training programs for Peruvian officials on victim identification, rescue operations, and evidence collection while supporting survivor aftercare services through coordination with local and international partners.
Intelligence sharing and cross-border collaboration represent key components of the partnership, addressing the international nature of modern trafficking networks. The organization's methodology emphasizes prevention, intervention, and aftercare through sustainable solutions that tackle root causes while providing immediate victim assistance.
"Real change happens when expertise meets commitment," Turner said. "On this significant anniversary for Peru's Ministry of Public Prosecutors, we're honored to join forces in protecting the vulnerable and bringing traffickers to justice. Together, we will create pathways to freedom and recovery for survivors across Peru."
The partnership reflects growing recognition among Latin American governments that combating sophisticated trafficking networks requires specialized expertise and international cooperation. As criminal organizations increasingly operate across borders, veteran-led organizations like Aerial Recovery provide capabilities that complement traditional law enforcement approaches.
With joint operational planning continuing and additional intelligence leading to identification of other potential networks, the Peru partnership positions American expertise at the forefront of regional anti-trafficking efforts while demonstrating the immediate impact possible when military experience meets legal authority in pursuit of justice.
