Virginia Beach police say a tip to state authorities helped lead investigators to a suspected human trafficking case and the arrest of a local man.
According to the Virginia Beach Police Department, detectives with the department’s Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) began looking into the situation on February 27, 2026, after a report came in through the Virginia State Police tip line about a possible trafficking victim in the city.
Detectives were able to locate the individual and began what police describe as a proactive investigation.
As the investigation moved forward, detectives identified a suspect — Pankaj Joshi, 33, of Virginia Beach — who police say was involved in the ongoing trafficking of the victim.
Joshi was arrested and charged with human trafficking, pandering, and aiding prostitution, according to police.
Investigators say they also worked to connect the victim with support services and resources during the case.
The Virginia Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Bureau works closely with regional partners on trafficking cases. The unit is part of both the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force and the regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, groups that investigate sex and labor trafficking and provide services for victims.
Authorities say community tips remain a critical tool in identifying victims and stopping trafficking operations.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of human trafficking — or knows someone who may be — can confidentially contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.