Twenty sex workers suspected of working against their will, were rescued earlier this month as a result of Operation Northern Spotlight, a massive cross-Canada human trafficking investigation. Most of those rescued are under 19, and some are as young as 14.
Over the past year, Canadian police forces worked with the FBI in a coordinated effort to fight human traffickers. The OPP spearheaded the latest phase of the operation, which involved more than 350 officers and staff from 40 police agencies across Canada. The investigation led to the arrest of 47 people who are facing more than 130 charges including trafficking in persons, forcible confinement, child pornography, and sexual assault with a weapon.
U.S law enforcement agencies conducted Operation Cross Country, a similar operation south of the border, which resulted in the arrest of more than 150 “pimps” and the rescue of 152 minors.
Human Trafficking and Related Charges
The charges laid in Phase 5 of Operation Northern Spotlight included:
- Trafficking in Persons under 18
- Trafficking in Persons
- Procure Sexual Services under 18
- Procure Sexual Services
- Receive Material Benefit under 18
- Receive Material Benefit
- Communicate for the Purpose of Obtaining for Consideration the Sexual Services of a Person
- Exercise Control
- Make Child Pornography
- Distribute Child Pornography
- Possess Child Pornography
- Child Luring
- Advertise Another Person’s Sexual Services
- Assault
- Obstruct Police
- Resist Arrest
- Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) offences
Human Trafficking in Canada
Human trafficking charges can be laid against any person who recruits, transports, transfers, receives, holds, conceals, or harbours a person, or any person who exercises control, direction, or influence over the movements of a person for the purposes of exploiting them, or facilitating their exploitation for a forced labour or sexual reason.
If you are facing a human trafficking or related charge, contact us online or at 905-404-1947 to speak with an experienced criminal defence lawyer. We take all steps needed to protect your best interests, both immediate and long term. We maintain a 24-hour emergency service line, and our office is within steps of the Durham Consolidated Courthouse. We offer a free confidential consultation to all perspective clients.