VBPD Makes Arrest in Human Trafficking Investigation

On February 27, 2026, the Virginia Beach Police Department Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) received a tip through the Virginia State Police tip line about a possible human trafficking victim in Virginia Beach. Detectives located the individual and began a proactive investigation.

During the investigation, SIB detectives contacted the suspect, Pankaj Joshi (M/33) of Virginia Beach, who was involved in the ongoing trafficking of the victim. Joshi was arrested and charged with human trafficking, pandering, and aiding prostitution. Detectives also helped the victim obtain appropriate support resources.

The Virginia Beach Police Department SIB is part of the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force and the regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The HRHTTF provides services to trafficking victims, investigates sex and labor trafficking cases, and conducts community outreach to raise awareness.

If you are a victim or know someone who is, you can confidentially report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1‑888‑373‑7888.

(Note: The charges mentioned are accusations. All arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.)