Northern Ont. businessman charged after 8-month human trafficking investigation
An undated photo of a North Bay Police Service officer's arm showing the crest on his uniform. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)
A North Bay businessman has been charged following an eight-month human trafficking investigation by the city's police service.
North Bay Police Service vehicle
An undated file photo of a North Bay Police Service vehicle with its lights on and caution tape in the background. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)
The accused faces multiple charges, including human trafficking, material benefit from human trafficking, laundering proceeds of crime, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, fraud over $5,000, extortion, uttering threats, theft, unauthorized use of a credit card and two counts of withholding documents.
The investigation
The North Bay Police Service launched the investigation in October 2024 after receiving reports of unpaid wages, the sale of immigration documents, and coercion of foreign nationals into paying for payroll inclusion.
Police allege the employer manipulated a foreign national by demanding they pay for documents tied to their immigration status.
On May 28 of this year, North Bay officers, supported by the province's human trafficking task force and the Ministry of Labour, executed search warrants at three local businesses.
'The investigation revealed that a North Bay employer exploited a foreign national by requiring payment for documents essential to their immigration application,' police said in a news release Monday.
The accused was arrested without incident during the execution of the warrants.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact North Bay police at 705-497-5555 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Publication ban
The accused was released on house arrest on June 2 and a court-ordered publication ban has prevented police from releasing the accused's identity.
Human trafficking is a growing concern
Authorities highlighted broader concerns, noting, 'Labour trafficking is a serious and growing issue, and migrant workers are particularly vulnerable due to precarious immigration status, isolation, and language barriers.'
Hundreds of thousands of migrant workers arrive in Canada annually, with many facing exploitation despite their economic contributions.
What to look out for
If you or someone you know has experienced any of the following, you may be a victim of a crime:
Forced or convinced to work for little or no pay
Paid a wage less than what was promised
Required to return pay cheques to an employer
Paid to be added to a payroll
Paid for documents needed for visa or residency applications
Human Trafficking - Poster
A Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline poster explainer illegal pressures some migrant workers face while employed. (Supplied/North Bay Police Service | Image Credit: Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline)
Help is available
Authorities urge potential victims to reach out for help.
Contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010, call 911, or contact your local police service.
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