11 people arrested after police go undercover in human trafficking case

More than two dozen charges were laid against 11 people after Ottawa police busted an underground operation targeting minors online.

In a press release, officials say the operation was to target people who were sexually exploiting those under the age of 18. It focused on arresting and charging people who attempted to purchase sexual services from youth through online platforms and other methods.

Police refer to the operation as a “john sting” which sees police go undercover and engage with the suspects online, attempting to arrange the services.

It resulted in 11 people facing 26 charges, including:

• Obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18
• Telecommunication with a person under or believed to be under 18 years for specific criminal offences
• Telecommunication with a person or believed to be under 16 years for specific criminal offences

“This operation sends a clear message that the sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable persons will not be tolerated in our community,” said Sergeant Amanda Larche. “Human Trafficking is driven by demand, and enforcement efforts targeting purchasers is critical in protecting victims and preventing exploitation.”

Human trafficking victims are manipulated, coerced and controlled through violence, intimidation, addiction and psychological abuse, police explained. Vulnerable people include youth who are isolated or experiencing instability.

Anyone with more information in this investigation is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit tip line at 613-236-1222 ext. 5625.

Agency warns how World Cup could impact trafficking

As Canada prepares to host World Cup soccer, the federal financial intelligence agency is warning that major sporting events can heighten the risk of vulnerable people being exploited by human traffickers.

A new bulletin from the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada advises businesses to look out for signs of money transactions that could be linked to trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labour.

Canada, Mexico and the United States are co-hosting the World Cup from June 11 to July 19.

The agency, better known as Fintrac, identifies cash linked to money laundering by filtering through millions of pieces of information each year from banks, credit unions, money service businesses, casinos and others.

Major international sporting and entertainment events can draw hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors to host cities, the bulletin notes.

These events may be associated with an increased risk of sexual exploitation, particularly when the influx fuels demand for accommodations, nightlife, entertainment and commercial sexual services near event venues and transportation hubs, Fintrac says.