Latest news with #NorthBay
CBC
2 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
North Bay businessman charged in alleged human trafficking operation: police
North Bay police say a man has been arrested and charged following an eight-month investigation into human trafficking. Police say the accused — a North Bay businessman — was taken into custody without incident on May 28. In a Monday news release North Bay police said they launched an investigation in October after receiving reports involving unpaid wages, the sale of immigration documents, and coercion of foreign nationals into paying for being added to the payroll. "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 the release. According to police, on May 28, officers — with the support of the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) and the Ministry of Labour — executed search warrants at three business locations within the City of North Bay. The accused was taken into custody and slapped with multiple charges including human trafficking, material benefit from human trafficking, laundering proceeds of crime, and fraud over $5,000, police say. Police say the accused was released on house arrest on Monday and the courts have issued a publication ban, which prohibits the publication, broadcast, or transmission of specific information related to the case.
CTV News
4 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Manitoba man wanted on human trafficking charges arrested in North Bay, Ont.
An undated file photo of a North Bay Police Service vehicle with its lights on and caution tape in the background. (CTV News Northern Ontario) A man from Manitoba remains in custody in North Bay after he was taken into custody while driving a vehicle with a stolen Manitoba license plate. North Bay Police soon realized the 55-year-old suspect was wanted on several human trafficking charges dating to April 18 in London, Ont. He was released on an undertaking and hasn't been seen since. Further investigation revealed he is suspected of trafficking a victim in North Bay, as well. On June 16, two North Bay police got a hit on their automated licence plate scanner that told them the suspect had a stolen licence plate on his vehicle. 'A traffic stop was conducted in the 200 block of Lakeshore Drive and two occupants were taken into custody,' police said in a news release Monday. 'At police headquarters the investigation continued and further information revealed the accused was currently involved in human trafficking offences in North Bay.' The man is charged with 11 offences, including trafficking a person, advertising sexual services, procuring/exercising control over a person, receiving material benefits from human trafficking and withholding documents. 'The name of the accused will not be released to protect the identity of the victim,' police said. 'The accused was held in custody, pending an upcoming bail hearing.'
CTV News
7 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
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.
CTV News
11 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Bear attacks dog in North Bay
A dog was wounded in North Bay recently when it was attacked by a bear. A dog was wounded in North Bay recently when it was attacked by a bear. The incident took place May 25 at the end of Tower Drive, North Bay Police spokesperson Merv Shantz said in an email. 'Apparently, it happened a couple of kilometres past the dead end,' Shantz said. The owners took their dog to an emergency veterinarian in Barrie, he said. 'It is now doing better,' Shantz said. 'We didn't really have any involvement, as the people contacted the (Ministry of Natural Resources) and animal welfare.' A message to the MNR from CTV News seeking details about the incident has not yet been returned.
CTV News
17 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Pride Month begins amid renewed calls for equity: advocates
Pride Month has kicked off to celebrate the 2SLGBTQI+ community, but advocates like North Bay Pride chair Jocelyn Green stress more work is needed to address systemic injustices. Pride events are planned throughout the region - even into September.
