More than 50 people were arrested in a sex trafficking sting operation centered around college basketball's Final Four weekend in Minneapolis.

Officials with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced the charges Wednesday against 47 people for felony solicitation of a minor and 11 for sex trafficking or promotion of prostitution.

In addition, 28 people, including one minor, were rescued from trafficking situations, according to the department's news release.

“While the eyes of the basketball world were focused on the court at U.S. Bank Stadium, some were attempting to hide in the shadows of our great community, trafficking and exploiting women and girls, inflicting unimaginable physical and emotional harm, and profiting from pain,” said St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell.

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During the five-day operation which began April 4, undercover agents and investigators who posed as minors or as sex buyers chatted with suspects on social media platforms. Investigators then arrested the suspects when they arrived at a prearranged meeting place.

Authorities routinely conduct sex trafficking sting operations to coincide with major sporting events. At this year's Super Bowl in Atlanta, for example, a total of 169 people were arrested over an 11-day period.