Ottawa man facing human trafficking charges, police seeking more victims
An Ottawa man has been charged with a slew of human trafficking offences following an investigation initiated earlier this month by the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Human Trafficking Unit (HTU).
The accused was charged earlier this week, and police are asking for other victims to come forward.
OPS has identified the accused as 27-year-old Anthony Badibanga-Mukendi of Ottawa.
Advertisement
The accused has been charged with the following offences:
- Trafficking in Persons by exercising control;
- Material benefit in trafficking;
- Material benefit from sexual services;
- Procuring;
- Uttering threats;
- Assault, Assault with a weapon and Assault Causing Bodily Harm;
- Forcible confinement;
- Mischief to property;
- Advertising another person’s sexual services;
- Withhold travel or identity document trafficking a person over; and
- Publishing an intimate image.
Badibanga-Mukendi appeared in court on March 14 and was placed into custody.
HTU investigators believe there are other victims of human trafficking related to this investigation.
Police say victims may not be familiar with the legal name of their offender. He is alleged to have used the aliases ‘Marty’, ‘Anton’ and ‘Tony.’
Advertisement
According to OPS, the decision to publicly release the accused’s photo is in an effort to help victims identify their offender.
HTU investigators discovered that Badibanga-Mukendi has travelled across Canada, and has been connected to human trafficking for several years.
“The Human Trafficking Unit will respect victims’ wishes whether to pursue criminal charges, and regardless, can offer resources to support survivors of human trafficking,” wrote OPS.
“The reporting of these incidents by victims to police is key for investigators to identify suspects and determine crime trends,” they added.
Those with information on this individual are asked to call the OPS Human Trafficking Unit tip line at 613-236-1222, extension 5625, or email mcm@ottawapolice.ca.
Advertisement
To submit an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.
