An investigation that began on February 9 and stemmed from a complaint at a hotel in the RM of Portage La Prairie, RCMP announced today. The Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) of the Manitoba RCMP spent five months investigating labour trafficking at the business.
In a release today, police said two female victims approached them in February and, as the investigation went on, they identified two other victims who also worked at the hotel.
According to police, the victims were recruited from another country and promised legal work, fair wages, and affordable living in Manitoba through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LIMA) agreement. Police allege, however, that the victims were working 15-hour days and being paid well under the minimum wage requirements. They also said threats of deportation and intimidation tactics were being used to keep the victims working, and one victim’s identification documents were being withheld.
On June 12, police arrested Jai Inder Sandhu, a 62-year-old man and owner at the hotel. He is charged with Trafficking in Persons x4, Material Benefit – Trafficking, Withholding/Destroying Documents, Trafficking, and Uttering Threats x 2.
Police also arrested Satbir Sandhu, a 48-year-old woman who also was an owner of the hotel. She has been charged with Trafficking in Persons x4, and Material Benefit – Trafficking.
“Our goal from the outset was to help these victims of labour trafficking. They all came to Canada in good faith, believing they were going to work legally and be protected. Instead, they were threatened and forced to work for very little pay,” said Sergeant Cathy Farrell from the Manitoba RCMP’s Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit. “We remain committed to helping these victims and all others within the province who are being trafficked.”
Police added in their release that labour trafficking is a form of human trafficking and involves recruiting, moving or holding victims to coerce them into doing any kind of work. Migrant workers, newcomers, and vulnerable persons are at risk to these types of traffickers.
Anyone who believes they are being trafficked, is concerned about someone they know, or is aware of a workplace that is using labour trafficking is urged to contact their local police service.
If you are not comfortable calling police, other community resources are available and ready to help:
- Joy Smith Foundation
Works to provide access to information so that every Canadian man, woman and child is educated and empowered to stay safe from manipulation, force, or abuse of power designed to lure and exploit them in the sex trade or forced labour.
(204) 691-2455
help@joysmithfoundation.com
www.joysmithfoundation.com
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 24/7 and Confidential
Helps connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public.
1-833-900-1010
- The Salvation Army Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking
Committed to serving and supporting people with lived experience, their family and friends. Programs range from outreach, emergency housing, short and long-term housing, live-in rehabilitation services, employment training, peer support, drop-in centres, and case management.
Email for Prairie Region: pra-msht@salvationarmy.ca
Phone: 204 949-2100
Web Site: www.salvationist.ca/trafficking
- Crime Stoppers – Anonymous and Confidential
A cooperative program between the local media, citizens, and the police designed to involve the public in the fight against crime.
204-786-8477 or Toll-Free: 1-800-222-8477
