Baby rescued, suspect killed during human trafficking operation with ties to Tampa: FDLE

An 11-month-old baby was rescued after a months-long human trafficking operation that led to the death of its suspected human trafficker, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

admin May 15, 2026 2 minutes read

TAMPA, Fla. – An 11-month-old baby was rescued after a months-long human trafficking operation that led to the death of its suspected human trafficker, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Florida undercover investigation

The backstory:

In October 2025, FDLE agents were working undercover to identify people actively selling and making child sexual abuse material.

While investigating, they said a social networking account published a post offering a baby for sexual purposes.

Agents said they contacted the account holder, later identified as Huilzivan Alves da Costa, 29, of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

The investigators arranged for the baby to be brought from Brazil to Tampa.

However, on March 25, 2026, the suspect backed out of the planned meeting.

International rescue mission

Dig deeper:

FDLE agents continued working with Homeland Security Investigations to locate the infant and Alves da Costa.

HIS contacted the Brazilian Federal Police, which located Alves da Costa.

On May 12, FDLE and HIS were told about a search and rescue operation that took place three days earlier in which the baby was rescued, and Alves da Costa was killed.