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Pam Bondi Leads Roundtable on Human Trafficking and Internet Crimes in Greenville

Pam Bondi Leads Roundtable in Greenville on Combating Human Trafficking and Internet Crimes

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi made a high-profile appearance in Greenville on Thursday, August 14, 2025, to spearhead a roundtable discussion focused on the escalating threats of human trafficking and internet-based crimes. The event, held at a downtown conference center, brought together law enforcement officials, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and technology experts to address these pervasive issues that have increasingly plagued communities across the nation, including South Carolina's Upstate region.

Bondi, a staunch advocate for victims' rights and a key figure in conservative circles, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative action during her opening remarks. "Human trafficking isn't just a distant problem; it's happening right here in our backyards, fueled by the dark corners of the internet," Bondi stated, drawing from her extensive experience prosecuting such cases during her tenure as Florida's top law enforcement officer from 2011 to 2019. She highlighted how online platforms have become breeding grounds for exploitation, with predators using social media, dark web sites, and encrypted apps to target vulnerable individuals, particularly minors.

The roundtable, organized in partnership with local organizations like the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force and national groups such as the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, delved into several critical topics. Participants discussed the intersection of technology and crime, including the role of artificial intelligence in both perpetuating and detecting trafficking networks. One panelist, a representative from the FBI's Cyber Division, explained how algorithms on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat are manipulated by traffickers to groom victims, often starting with seemingly innocuous online interactions that escalate into coercion or abduction.

Local perspectives were prominent, with Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis sharing statistics on the rise of reported cases in the area. "We've seen a 25% increase in internet-facilitated trafficking incidents over the past two years," Lewis noted, attributing this surge to the post-pandemic shift toward online activities. He recounted a recent bust where authorities dismantled a ring operating through fake job listings on Craigslist, which lured young women into exploitative situations. The discussion also touched on the economic drivers of trafficking in South Carolina, where the state's interstate highways, such as I-85 and I-26, serve as corridors for moving victims across state lines.

Bondi, who has been vocal about these issues since her time advising former President Donald Trump on justice matters, called for stronger federal legislation. She referenced the need to update laws like the Communications Decency Act to hold tech companies accountable for content that enables trafficking. "Big Tech has a responsibility; they can't hide behind Section 230 forever," she argued, urging attendees to support bills that would mandate better monitoring and reporting of suspicious activities. This stance aligns with her previous efforts, including her role in the Trump administration's Operation Lady Justice, which focused on missing and murdered Indigenous women—a demographic disproportionately affected by trafficking.

Nonprofit leaders added emotional depth to the conversation. Julie Woodley, founder of Restoring the Foundations, a Greenville-based organization aiding trafficking survivors, shared harrowing stories of recovery. "Many of our clients were first contacted online during their teenage years," Woodley said. "We need education in schools to teach kids about digital dangers, and more funding for safe houses." The roundtable included breakout sessions where experts brainstormed solutions, such as implementing AI-driven tools for law enforcement to scan for trafficking signals on social media without infringing on privacy rights.

The event wasn't without its political undertones. Bondi, a potential candidate for higher office and a frequent Fox News commentator, used the platform to critique what she described as lax border policies contributing to cross-border trafficking. "Open borders mean more victims funneled into our communities," she claimed, echoing Republican talking points ahead of upcoming elections. This drew nods from some attendees but also sparked debate, with a Democratic state legislator present arguing for a more nuanced approach that addresses root causes like poverty and addiction rather than solely focusing on immigration.

Technology's double-edged sword was a recurring theme. Experts from companies like Microsoft and local cybersecurity firms demonstrated innovative tools, such as blockchain-based tracking systems to monitor illicit financial transactions linked to trafficking rings. However, concerns about data privacy and overreach were raised, with one participant warning that aggressive surveillance could erode civil liberties. Bondi countered by stressing the human cost: "We're talking about lives destroyed—children sold into slavery, families torn apart. We can't let fear of regulation stop us from saving them."

The roundtable concluded with a call to action, including pledges for increased collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies. Bondi announced plans for follow-up events in other Southern states, aiming to build a regional network against these crimes. Attendees left with resource packets, including guides for parents on online safety and contacts for reporting suspicious activities.

This Greenville gathering underscores a growing national conversation on human trafficking, which the U.S. Department of State estimates affects over 25 million people globally, with thousands of cases reported annually in the U.S. alone. In South Carolina, the Attorney General's office has ramped up efforts, prosecuting over 100 trafficking-related cases in the last year. Bondi's visit not only spotlighted these issues but also positioned Greenville as a hub for anti-trafficking advocacy in the Southeast.

Experts at the event projected that without intervention, internet crimes could double in the next decade due to advancing technologies like virtual reality and deepfakes, which traffickers might exploit for more sophisticated schemes. Prevention strategies discussed included public awareness campaigns, corporate partnerships for content moderation, and enhanced training for first responders. One innovative idea floated was a statewide app for anonymous reporting of potential trafficking, integrated with AI to prioritize urgent tips.

Bondi wrapped up by sharing a personal anecdote from her prosecutorial days, recalling a case where a young girl's online encounter led to her rescue after months in captivity. "Stories like that remind us why we fight," she said. The roundtable, attended by over 150 people, including community leaders and survivors, fostered hope amid grim realities, signaling that concerted efforts could turn the tide against these insidious crimes.

As the event dispersed, local advocates expressed optimism. "Having someone like Pam Bondi here elevates our cause," said a volunteer from Switch, a South Carolina anti-trafficking nonprofit. "It's about turning talk into tangible change." With trafficking and internet crimes showing no signs of abating, initiatives like this roundtable represent crucial steps toward safer communities. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full The Greenville News Article at:
[ https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/08/14/pam-bondi-in-greenville-for-roundtable-on-trafficking-internet-crimes/85665792007/ ]