Latest news with #ProjectBuffalo
CBC
3 hours ago
- General
- CBC
10 men facing charges after human trafficking investigation on Tsuut'ina Nation
Ten men are facing 31 charges following a human trafficking investigation intended to combat the purchasing of sexual services from underage Indigenous girls on Tsuut'ina Nation. Members of the Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service, in partnership with the Calgary Police Service, launched "Project Buffalo" in May, said Tim Daley, acting staff sergeant in charge of operations for Tsuut'ina police. "This is something that I think is happening everywhere, and it's just something we're not going to allow to keep happening, especially within our community," Daley said. In May, multiple individuals arranged meetings for sexual services with minors, according to police. All those arrested were non-members of the Tsuut'ina Nation. Charges include luring a child for the purpose of obtaining sexual services, obtaining sexual services from a person under 18, and invitation to sexual touching involving individuals under 16. "There's an overrepresentation of Indigenous women and girls within the sex trade that are being sexually exploited," Daley said. "This is our way of protecting those of our community, and maybe to send a message to the criminal element out there that it's not going to happen here." Daley said that operations are still in their very early stages, with much more work to be done.
Calgary Herald
3 days ago
- Calgary Herald
10 males face human trafficking charges related to 'Operation Buffalo' investigation on Tsuut'ina Nation
Ten males face charges following a human trafficking investigation on the Tsuut'ina Nation, police announced Friday. Article content Article content The Tosguna Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service, along with the Calgary Police Service, launched an operation called 'Project Buffalo' to combat the purchasing of sexual services from underage Indigenous girls. Article content During the operation, multiple individuals arranged meetings in May for sexual services with minors, said police. Article content Article content Project Buffalo resulted in the arrest of 10 males who face a total of 31 charges, which include child luring, obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 years old, and invitation to sexual touching under 16 years old. Article content Article content
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Indigenous girls targeted in human trafficking scheme: police
Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service crest is pictured on the Tsuut'ina Nation near Calgary, Alta., Wednesday, June 14, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Ten individuals are facing charges because of an undercover operation targeting human trafficking on the Tsuut'ina Nation, police said Friday. The Nation's police service says Project Buffalo was an operation investigating the sexual exploitation of underage Indigenous girls. Police discovered in May that several individuals had arranged meetings to obtain sexual services from minors. Thirty-one charges were laid, ranging from child luring, obtaining sexual services from a minor and invitation to sexual touching from a minor. Officials said the accused are not members of the Tsuut'ina Nation. 'This investigation highlights the importance of proactive policing initiatives and collaboration with survivor-informed organizations to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable members of our community,' said Tsuut'ina Nation Police Chief Keith Blake in a release. 'We remain committed to disrupting the demand for sexual services and safeguarding our Nation.' Police say efforts like Project Buffalo are essential because of the overrepresentation of Indigenous people as victims of human trafficking. If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please reach out to the following organization for support:
