FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. – An 11-month-old infant was rescued after a months-long human trafficking investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Brazilian Federal Police. A law enforcement operation connected to the investigation resulted in the death of the suspect, Huilzivan Alves da Costa, 29, of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

In Oct. 2025, FDLE agents initiated an undercover operation to identify persons actively producing and selling CSAM. During this operation, a social networking account published a post offering a baby for sexual purposes. Agents made contact with the account holder, later identified as Alves da Costa, and arranged for the transport of the baby to Tampa from Brazil. On March 25, 2026, the suspect ultimately backed out of the planned meeting.

FDLE agents continued to work with HSI on continued efforts to locate the child and identify Alves da Costa. HSI then contacted the Brazilian Federal Police who were able to locate Alves da Costa. 

On May 12, FDLE and HSI were informed of a search and rescue operation on May 9, where the 11-month-old victim was rescued. Alves da Costa was killed during the operation.

Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution was set to be the prosecutorial entity in this investigation.

The investigation remains active.

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

Info@fdle.state.fl.us