Fernando Figueroa
Fernando dedicated many years to working undercover, conducting hundreds of investigations and infiltrating human trafficking networks. He played a crucial role in both covert and overt intelligence operations during Operation Cattleya. This operation was a multi-agency effort that lasted nine months and resulted in the largest human trafficking rescue mission in the history of the Dominican Republic.
Bio
Fernando Figueroa knows firsthand the trauma experienced by survivors of sex trafficking—his very first rescue in 2009 was his wife. Together for 16 years, they are now the proud parents of two little boys. This deeply personal experience became the catalyst for his life’s mission to fight human trafficking and eventually led to the founding of the Anti-Trafficking Bureau (ATB).
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Since 2016, Fernando has been actively combating human trafficking through intelligence-led investigations. As the President and co-founder of the Anti-Trafficking Bureau, an international non-profit organization established in 2017, he has played a pivotal role in dismantling trafficking networks and advocating for victim protection worldwide.
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In addition to his leadership at ATB, Professor Figueroa is an adjunct professor, sharing his extensive expertise with various law enforcement and intelligence agencies. He is an adjunct professor for the Dominican Naval Intelligence Division M-2, providing specialized instruction on counter-trafficking methodologies. He also served as an instructor and officer for four years at the Bureau of National Intelligence (DNI), where he lectured on anti-terrorism intelligence and organized crime, equipping intelligence officers with the skills necessary to combat transnational threats.
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Fernando is a Board Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI) by the McAfee Institute and a Certified Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate (CAHTA) by Ambassadors United. He is also a proud member of the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars (GAHTS).
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With a career dedicated to intelligence, law enforcement training, and human rights advocacy, Professor Figueroa continues to be a leading voice in the fight against human trafficking, bringing both practical field experience and academic insight to his students and professional audiences.
Contact
Please note that I remain actively engaged in human trafficking operations and ongoing law enforcement work. While I make every effort to respond to emails in a timely manner, I appreciate your patience. For urgent matters or additional support, you are welcome to contact my assistant professor, Jennifer jyoung@cmmtheology.org.