safety
4 men arrested in undercover human trafficking sting during FIFA World Cup in Miami
By Patrick Chalvire at WSVN 7 News
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
Four men are behind bars after an undercover sting operation targeting the sexual exploitation of children in Miami -Dade County, part of a coordinated law enforcement effort launched ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Melvin Phillip Putney, 47, Henry Eduardo Castillo Martinez, 20, John Alcin, 30, and Ibra
Key takeaway Each of the four men made contact online, negotiated a price and agreed to pay between $150 and $200 for sexual acts with individuals they believed to be minors between the ages of 14 and 15.
Why this matters in The Miami
The arrests of these four men in an undercover human trafficking sting operation are a stark reminder of the dark side of major events like the FIFA World Cup, which can unfortunately attract individuals seeking to exploit vulnerable populations. Miami's status as a major hub for international events and tourism makes it a potential hotspot for human trafficking. The fact that the operation was carried out by a multi-agency task force, including local and federal agencies, demonstrates the level of coordination and cooperation needed to combat this issue. The use of online advertisements and undercover detectives to catch these individuals also highlights the importance of monitoring online activity and being proactive in preventing the exploitation of children. As Miami continues to host large-scale events, it is crucial that law enforcement remains vigilant and proactive in identifying and prosecuting those who seek to harm its most vulnerable residents.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Four men are behind bars after an undercover sting operation targeting the sexual exploitation of children in Miami-Dade County, part of a coordinated law enforcement effort launched ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Melvin Phillip Putney, 47, Henry Eduardo Castillo Martinez, 20, John Alcin, 30, and Ibra
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Patrick Chalvire at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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