Police in Florida have released footage of 25 men who were snared in online sting operation designed to capture pedophiles.

The men are accused of trying to have sex with children as part of a Sarasota County Sheriff's Office undercover operation called Operation Intercept VI.

Sheriffs posed as minors on social media sites and online apps where suspects engaged in sexually explicit conversations with law enforcement officials.

Cops ambush and arrest men involved in child trafficking ring in FL



Loaded : 0% Progress : 0% 0:00 Previous Play Skip Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration Time 2:42 Fullscreen Need Text





+6 Police in Florida have released footage of 25 men who were snared in online sting operation designed to capture pedophiles. The men are accused of trying to have sex with children as part of a Sarasota County Sheriff's Office undercover operation called Operation Intercept VI



+6 These are the faces of the 25 mine who went to the home in the belief they would meet a minor

The men traveled to a house in the county — one from as far as Jacksonville — with the intent of having sex with a child but instead walked into the arms of police officers.

Footage shows the two dozen men walking into the house expecting to be greeted with a child they are allegedly planning to molest.

But their plans are quickly scuppered when the door opens and police burst out, handcuffing the men and dragging them away.



+6 Sheriffs posed as minors on social media sites and online apps where suspects engaged in sexually explicit conversations with law enforcement officials.



+6 The men traveled to a house in the county — one from as far as Jacksonville — with the intent of having sex with a child but instead walked into the arms of police officers



+6 Footage shows the two dozen men walking into the house expecting to be greeted with a child they are allegedly planning to molest. But their plans are quickly scuppered when the door opens and police burst out, handcuffing the men and dragging them away



+6 A similar operation in 2018 led to the arrest of 21 individuals. More than 100 have been arrested in operations dating back to 2013. D Those convicted could face up to 15 years in prison, with a five-year minimum sentence

'Unfortunately, the internet allows for easy and anonymous access to children by strangers who are hiding behind a computer screen,' Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight said in a news release.

'That is why these operations are paramount to ensuring our most vulnerable population is safe and protected.

'The men arrested during this operation managed to blend into society and attempted to prey on children by developing a trust through promises to exploit them for sexual purposes.

'So long as men like these prey upon our community, I will ensure our ongoing commitment to putting them behind bars.'

A similar operation in 2018 led to the arrest of 21 individuals. More than 100 have been arrested in operations dating back to 2013. D