RCMP constable charged following human trafficking investigation north of Toronto
York Regional Police have charged a 44-year-old RCMP officer with human trafficking following an investigation into forced labour.
Police said the investigation started in April after a victim came forward to police and filed a report. Officers said the victim, who previously lived in Mexico, arranged to come to Canada for an employment opportunity.
When the victim arrived at the residence of his employer on Bayview Avenue in Georgina, Ont., he was allegedly made to work caring for animals under very poor working conditions that were not consistent with agreement.
Police said they arrested the accused, Israel Yahsif Mane Monter of the Town of Georgina, on May 3, and charged him with trafficking in persons, forgery, animal cruelty and possession of a prohibited device.
The RCMP issued a news release on Tuesday saying they are aware of the arrest of their constable, and noted that Mane Monter is a member of the RCMP’s Toronto North Transnational Organized Crime unit.
The RCMP said they are cooperating with the York Regional Police as they continue their investigation. They stated that Mane Monter has been suspended with pay, and that an internal investigation is active and ongoing.
Investigators with York Regional Police said they believe there may be additional victims who have been brought from Mexico under false pretenses. They are asking for those victims to come forward.
“Any victims who are hesitant to come forward due to immigration status concerns should be aware that they have the right to support and protection under Canadian law,” police said.
“Labour trafficking often occurs in situations where a victim comes to Canada with the promise of a well-paying job, education or other opportunities. Traffickers often use violence, threats, lies or other forms of coercion to force victims to work excessively long hours under unsafe and poor conditions for little or no money.”
Victims are asked to contact the Canadian Human Trafficking hotline at 1-833-900-1010. The hotline is described to be a non-judgemental, confidential, multilingual, 24/7 service used to connect human trafficking victims and survivors with long-term supports.
Police are also asking anyone with information or anyone who may have been a victim in this case to contact their human trafficking department at 1-866-8765423, ext. 6800, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.